The Navy League of the United States (NLUS) was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt. The Navy League has provided a powerful voice for a stronger sea service to Congress and to the American people. The Navy League has grown into the foremost citizens' organization to serve, support, and stand with all the sea services – U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. The Navy League is comprised of 40,000 civilians in more than 240 councils around the world working to support sea service members and their families. We do this through a variety of education programs that remind our fellow citizens that the United States is a maritime nation whose national economic and security interests are inextricably tied to the freedom of the seas. The Navy League has three missions: to enhance the morale of active duty personnel and their families; to inform Congress and the American public on the importance of strong sea services; and to support youth through programs such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC and Young Marines that expose young people to the values of our sea services. Over the years, the Navy League has compiled an impressive record of accomplishment. Today the Navy League is widely respected by citizens, community and industrial leaders, and public officials. Navy League programs are welcomed in communities throughout the nation, and members are recognized for their integrity and patriotism.