Researching United States Navy records can provide valuable information for genealogists tracing their ancestors' military service. Here’s how to effectively search through Navy records and uncover details about an ancestor's past.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Identify Basic Information About An Ancestor
Before searching for Navy records, gather as much basic information about an ancestor as possible. Key details include:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Approximate dates of service
- Rank or rate (if known)
- Ships or stations where they served (if known)
The more information, the easier it will be to locate relevant records.
Locate Service Records via National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
The main repository for U.S. Navy service records is the National Archives. Here’s how to access different types of records:
- Pre-WWI Records (Before 1885): Early Navy service records can be found in Record Group 24, “Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel.” These records may include muster rolls, payrolls, and some pension applications. These documents are available at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and may also be accessible online via third-party websites.
- WWI–WWII Records (1917–1956): Personnel files for individuals who served in the Navy during this period can be found at NARA's National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. Request a copy of an ancestor’s service record using the Standard Form (SF) 180. Note that these records are open to the public after 62 years following a service member's discharge.
- Post-WWII Records (After 1957): More recent Navy records are maintained by the National Personnel Records Center and can be requested by next-of-kin or the service member themselves. Veterans or family members can use the same SF-180 form to obtain a copy.
Navy veterans (or their widows and dependents) were sometimes eligible for pensions or bounty land for service. These records, which can contain personal and service information, can be found at:
- Pension Bureau Files: Available at NARA, these records may include applications, affidavits, and other documentation that can shed light on an ancestor's service. Use Form NATF-85.
Explore Muster Rolls and Deck Logs
Muster Rolls
Muster rolls list the personnel aboard Navy ships and stations. These records are useful for confirming an ancestor’s duty stations and dates of service. They typically include:
- Full name
- Service number
- Rate (rank)
- Date of enlistment or transfer
Muster rolls from the early 19th century through the 1950s are available at NARA and have been digitized on third-party websites.
Deck Logs
Deck logs are daily records kept by Navy ships. They can provide insights into the movements of a ship, daily activities, and sometimes crew lists. These records can be found at:
- NARA for older records (pre-1970)
- The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) for records post-1970
During WWII, Navy records were meticulously maintained. Here’s how to find them:
- WWII Navy Personnel Records: Service records from this era are housed at NPRC in St. Louis. Request these records if they have been opened to the public (generally 62 years after service).
- U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards: These records can provide birth dates and locations, next of kin, and physical descriptions. Many are available on third-party websites.
- Combat Action Reports and Ship Logs: These records detail naval operations, battles, and voyages. They can be found through the NHHC and NARA.
Check Veterans Affairs and Cemetery Records
If an ancestor was a Navy veteran, find additional information through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or national cemetery records:
- Veterans Affairs (VA): If an ancestor received benefits, their file may contain information about their military service, health, and death. Request these files from the VA.
- National Cemetery Administration: Veterans buried in national cemeteries will have records available online, which often include dates of birth, death, and military service. The Gravesite Locator tool is available on the VA’s website
To get a fuller picture of an ancestor’s Navy service, research the ships they served on and any battles or campaigns they may have participated in:
- Ship Histories: The NHHC has detailed ship histories that can help understand the timeline and movements of vessels during an ancestor’s service.
- Battle Participation: If an ancestor fought in a significant battle, locate action reports and histories through NARA or the NHHC.
Collaborate with Veterans Organizations
Many Navy veterans’ organizations maintain records and can provide assistance in research:
These organizations can help assist in accessing information about an ancestor’s service or connect with other researchers and veterans who might have useful information.
See also
- United States, Index of Navy and Marine Corps Awards, 1925-1994 record collection at MyHeritage
- United States Naval Enlistment Rendezvous, 1855-1891 record collection at MyHeritage
- Military Records: Search by Name on MyHeritage on the MyHeritage Knowledge Base
- Top 10 Tips for Researching Your Ancestors’ Military Service on the MyHeritage Blog
- Department of the Navy Records - National Archives and Records Administration
- eVetRecs - National Archives and Records Administration
- National Gravesite Locator Tool - Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration
- National Personnel Records Center
- Naval Historical Foundation
- Naval History and Heritage Command
- Navy Deck Logs Available in the National Archives Catalog - National Archives and Records Administration
- The American Legion
- U.S. Navy Muster Rolls, 1798–1939 - National Archives and Records Administration
- United States Navy - Internet Archive
- Veterans of Foreign Wars