The United States Navy marked a historic milestone this October, celebrating its 250th anniversary—a testament to its enduring legacy and pivotal role in American history. As the Navy commemorates this remarkable occasion, organizations across the country are paying tribute, none more notably than The Walt Disney Company, whose own story is deeply intertwined with that of the U.S. Navy. This shared heritage, forged through decades of collaboration and mutual respect, is being honored in a series of reflections and events highlighting both the Navy’s storied past and the Navy veterans who helped shape Disney’s evolution into a global entertainment powerhouse.
The Navy’s origins stretch back to October 13, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress authorized the commissioning of two ships. Their mission? Intercept enemy transports laden with supplies for the British, whose Royal Navy ruled the seas at the time. By the war’s end, the fledgling Continental Navy boasted about fifty ships, though it was disbanded after the Revolution. It wasn’t until 1794, following the passage of the Naval Act, that Congress directed the construction of six frigates—one of which, the USS Constitution, remains a commissioned warship to this day, docked in Boston’s historic Charlestown Navy Yard.
Today, the Navy is a formidable force, with 330,011 active duty personnel, 57,700 reservists, 220,000 civilian employees, 289 deployable ships, 71 submarines, and approximately 2,500 operational aircraft, according to recent figures. Over the past year alone, four new warships joined the fleet: the USS John Basilone, USS Nantucket, USS Beloit, and USS Iowa, with the USS Bougainville, an amphibious assault ship, expected to be commissioned before the year’s end.
Throughout its history, the Navy has produced a remarkable roster of leaders, innovators, and cultural icons. Six U.S. presidents—John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush—served in the Navy, as did a host of sports legends, entertainers, and trailblazers, from astronauts Alan Shepard and Neil Armstrong to musicians like John Coltrane and M.C. Hammer. Theodore Roosevelt, before ascending to the presidency, was assistant secretary of the Navy and later dispatched the Great White Fleet on its world tour to showcase American naval power and promote freedom of navigation, as chronicled by the Council on Foreign Relations.
Against this backdrop, The Walt Disney Company’s tribute to the Navy’s 250th anniversary carries special resonance. Honoring U.S. military service members and veterans is more than tradition for Disney—it’s foundational. The company’s founders, Walt and Roy Oliver Disney, set the tone early. Roy O. Disney served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, while Walt, too young to enlist, drove ambulances for the American Red Cross. Their commitment to service became a cornerstone of Disney’s corporate culture, shaping its values and sense of civic duty.
During World War II, Disney’s relationship with the military deepened. The Walt Disney Studio received hundreds of requests from military units to design insignia for planes, ships, uniforms, and equipment. Disney artists ultimately produced more than 1,200 insignia, many featuring beloved Disney characters. Several insignia were specifically created for the Naval Construction Battalions—better known as the Seabees—a force whose name cleverly combines "SEA" with the industrious "BEE" and whose phonetic abbreviation, "CB," stands for Construction Battalion. In recognition of Walt Disney’s generosity and patriotism, the Navy presented him with a Seabee statue in 1966 and named him an Honorary Seabee, a tribute still on display at Disneyland’s Main Street Opera House.
The Navy’s influence extended to the very heart of Disney’s theme park empire. Rear Admiral Joe Fowler, a naval architect and veteran of both World Wars, was personally recruited by Walt Disney in 1954 to oversee the construction of Disneyland. Fowler’s expertise, honed over 35 years in the Navy and through the supervision of major aircraft carrier projects, proved invaluable. After Disneyland’s triumphant opening in 1955, Fowler managed park operations and later took on the Herculean task of planning and building Walt Disney World Resort during the 1960s and 70s. In a fitting nod to his dual careers, Fowler also served as technical advisor for the Academy Award-winning film "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."
Another Navy veteran, Card Walker, played a crucial role in Disney’s postwar expansion. Walker joined Disney in 1938, worked his way up from the mailroom to the production department, and served as a flight deck officer in the Navy during World War II. Returning to Disney after the war, Walker pioneered audience research techniques and climbed the corporate ladder to become president and CEO. Under his leadership, Disney launched major initiatives such as EPCOT, Tokyo Disneyland, and The Disney Channel.
Disney’s affection for the Navy was also evident in its attractions. On June 6, 1959, the company unveiled the Submarine Voyage at Disneyland, a groundbreaking ride featuring a fleet of submarines named after real-life Navy vessels like Nautilus and Seawolf. The grand opening, led by Navy Admiral Charles C. Kirkpatrick on June 14, 1959, drew crowds eager to experience the wonders "beneath the sea." The attraction has since been reimagined as the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, but its naval roots remain an indelible part of Disney lore.
Tributes to Navy veterans are woven into the fabric of Disney’s parks. After retiring in 1978, Rear Admiral Fowler was named a Disney Legend in 1990. His legacy endures in features such as Fowler’s Harbor and Fowler’s Inn at Disneyland, as well as the Admiral Joe Fowler ferry boat at Walt Disney World, rechristened in his honor in 1997. These homages serve as daily reminders of the vital role Navy veterans played in building the Disney experience enjoyed by millions worldwide.
As the Navy celebrates its 250th anniversary, historians and military experts are reflecting on its evolution and global significance. Recommended readings include Walter Borneman’s "The Admirals," James Hornfischer’s "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors," and Ian Toll’s "Six Frigates," each offering insight into the Navy’s battles, innovations, and enduring impact on America’s security and prosperity.
For both the U.S. Navy and The Walt Disney Company, the last 250 years have been marked by courage, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to service. Their intertwined histories—rich with stories of leadership, innovation, and tribute—remind us that the spirit of adventure and dedication continues to shape the nation’s future, both on land and at sea.
