TOGETHER WE will forge our future
Creating a “WIN / WIN / WIN”
A WIN FOR: Our Sailors. Our Navy. Our Members.
For nearly 75 years, AUSN has stood steadfast in its commitment to our brave Sailors and their families. As we approach this significant milestone in 2029, we are launching “We Have the Watch” — the 75th Anniversary Campaign for the Association of the United States Navy. This transformational project will honor our past accomplishments, strengthen our present objectives and secure our future mission.
THIS $10M CAMPAIGN HAS TWO PILLARS:
1. SUPPORT FOR OUR WARFIGHTERS [$4M]:
Establish pilot programs to support the resiliency of our Sailors; our Warfighters.
2. PRESERVE OUR LEGACY [$6M]:
Establish a new National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington, DC in partnership with Navy Museum Development Foundation — Honor the Past. Inspire the Future.
“In our ongoing effort to strengthen warfighters, improve warfighting and ready the platforms that support them – our way ahead is clear and our course is true.”
— Admiral Lisa Franchetti, USN, Chief of Naval Operations
1. Support FOR our Warfighters
The Heart of Our Mission Is To Support the Men & Women of Our Navy.
Protecting sea lanes and ensuring the security of maritime trade routes, the Navy has, for nearly 250 years, ensured the stability and growth of the national and global economy. Today, the Navy has evolved into a crucial component of American foreign policy, combining military strength with diplomacy to maintain global stability and protect America.
CNO Admiral Lisa Franchetti recently stated, “As we look to the horizon, the threats to our Nation and our interests are real and growing. The potential for high-end combat at sea, the kind of combat the Navy has not experienced since the end of World War II, is real. We must view everything we do through a warfighting lens.”
In response, AUSN is once again standing watch, this time in support of the Navy’s Culture of Excellence 2.0. We’re introducing Warfighter Ao (pronounced “A” sub “oh”) — a program designed to ensure our Sailors meet the same high standards of Operational Availability (Ao) that we expect from our submarines, ships, planes and helicopters. While the Navy handles training and medical readiness, AUSN’s Warfighter Ao program will focus on the critical aspect of resiliency.
NAVY: CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE 2.0
“In our ongoing efforts to strengthen warfighters, improve warfighting, and ready the platforms that support them, our way ahead is clear and our course is true … we have commenced a once-in-a-generation transformation of our Navy in order to develop, design and deploy the weapons and tools we need to compete and win, both now and in the future.”
— Admiral Lisa Franchetti, USN, Chief of Naval Operations
“WARFIGHTER Ao” PROGRAM
Our Warfighters. Our Priority.
Our Warfighter Ao programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by our Sailors and their families. These programs aim to reduce destructive behaviors, improve public perception of naval service, decrease suicidal ideations, and enhance recruitment and retention for our Navy. Your support will fund pilot programs addressing five key pillars of resilience:
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
In Partnership with Navy Leadership, AUSN will:
- Facilitate coordination with Navy programs.
- Create a coalition of Navy non-profits focused on this important effort.
- Determine metrics and performance for the “resilience” of our pilot programs.
- Identify innovative virtual or physical enablers to these pilot programs.
ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
Warfighter Ao: Supporting the Culture of Excellence.
Further, this effort will launch an annual symposium entitled “Warfighter Ao Symposium” to facilitate coordination with Navy COE 2.0 programs and a newly formed non-profit coalition. This symposium will be the only such conference solely focused on the resiliency of the Sailor and their family.
2. Preserving Our Legacy
Establish a New National Museum of the United States Navy.
The new National Museum of the United States Navy offers a unique chance to honor the Navy’s storied past, celebrate its critical role today, and inspire the next generation of sailors, citizens and leaders.
To tell this story, the Navy Museum Development Foundation, in partnership with the United States Navy, has embarked on a journey to create a new flagship Navy Museum — homeported in our Nation’s capital. The Museum will energize public awareness of the Navy’s integral role in defending freedom around the world, ensuring America’s economic prosperity and preserving our way of life.
A New Home for Navy History.
The current Navy Museum location within the secure perimeter of the Washington Navy Yard limits visitor access. The new Museum will be situated just outside the Navy Yard in the fastest growing neighborhood in Washington, DC, the “Yards,” anchored by the Nationals Park stadium along the Anacostia River.
The Museum Campus will add restaurants, shops and event space to this vibrant area. The new site presents a unique opportunity to reach 20 million visitors to DC every year — including millions of students eager to be engaged and inspired.
Visitor Experience
Bringing History To Life.
The Museum will offer visitors a world-class experience as they learn about the history of the Navy from the American Revolution to its operations today. Through an array of artifacts, ship models, historical documents and fine art, the Museum will chronicle the Navy’s key role in preserving our way of life. The exhibits will commemorate the Navy’s wartime service as well as its many peacetime contributions.
- Cutting-edge interactive and multimedia displays will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Navy’s story.
- Interactive displays and 4D theater presentations will allow visitors to appreciate the experiences of our Sailors. Visitors will explore the Navy’s evolving mission under the seas, across the oceans, and through the sky above.
- Iconic artifacts and gripping displays will immerse visitors in some of the most compelling moments of American history.
- Focused opportunities for education and engagement highlighting the skills and values that reflect Navy tradition and heritage will inspire the next generation Sailors, citizens, and leaders.
Images are conceptual only.
PRESERVING OUR LEGACY
Museum Partnership.
Last fall, our Board of Directors unanimously approved a “Founding Gift” toward this important project. As a result, AUSN will be recognized as the principal nonprofit supporter of the “We have the Watch” exhibit of the Navy Experience Center at the new National Museum of the United States Navy. With our combined $10 million goal, AUSN will receive naming rights to the new Museum’s “Atrium” and individual donors will be recognized as plank owners.
More Than a Museum.
The National Museum of the United States Navy is where history will meet the horizon. Supporting its creation represents a once in a lifetime opportunity. The story of our Navy is the story of our Nation. We invite you to help us tell it.
TOGETHER WE WILL FORGE OUR FUTURE
JOIN US IN THIS HISTORIC EFFORT
Become A Plank Owner.
As we mark the 75th anniversary of AUSN, we invite you to join us in the “We Have the Watch” Campaign. Through your support, we will continue to stand watch, ensuring the well-being of those who serve and preserving the rich history that defines us today.
Let us unite in this noble cause to secure our legacy and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the brave men and women who protect our Nation on the seas. By investing in this campaign, you are not only supporting our Sailors and their families but also preserving the rich heritage of the Navy for generations to come.
The Story of Our Navy is the Story of Our Nation.
We Invite You To Help Us Tell It.
