On Thursday evening, November 9, the Hawkins Squadron hosted a showing of the new film, How the Texas Navy Saved the Revolution, presented by Texas Navy Association (TNA) Past President Bill Turner. The 22-minute film was produced by the TNA as a resource for teachers in presenting the role of the Texian Navy during the Revolution in 1835-36, that was recently added to the required curriculum for Seventh Grade Texas History. The film was produced with guidance from social studies educators to convey critical, core concepts in a way that would be most effective for middle school students. It’s an outstanding resource that the TNA will be working to distribute free-of-charge to educators across the state. Adm. Turner also gave an update on the status of the Texas Navy historical exhibit being created aboard the museum ship USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, that will feature both the film and display areas.
The Squadron announced the appointment of officers for 2017-18. Deputy Commander Adm. Butch Spafford is departing to serve as Membership Chairman for the TNA; he will continue to serve as the Hawkins Squadron representative to the TNA Board of Directors. Adm. Andy Hall will take on the role on Squadron Deputy Commander for 2017-18, in addition to his responsibilities as Operations Officer and Historian. Adm. Paula Morris, one of the TNA’s newest Admirals, takes on the role of Squadron Secretary.
Cdr. Bryan Fitch, Aide-de-Camp of the Hawkins Squadron, made a brief presentation on a proposal to adopt a standardized TNA ceremonial uniform, and offered examples of uniform ideas that are being considered. More details will be coming as the idea is evaluated further.
The Texas Navy Association is a private, 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the historical legacy of the naval forces of the Republic of Texas, 1835-46. The mission of the Texas Navy Association is to preserve and promote an appreciation of the historic character and heroic acts of the Texas Navy; to promote travel by visitors to historical sites and areas in which the Texas Navy operated; to conduct, in the broadest sense, a public relations campaign to create a responsible and accurate image of Texas; and to encourage Texas communities, organizations, and individuals, as well as governmental entities, to participate with actions and money, in pursuit of these objectives. Membership in the Texas Navy Association is open to all persons age 16 and over who have an interest in Texas history and want to help support the goals of the organization.
In Galveston, the Charles E. Hawkins Squadron was organized in the fall of 2016, and meets on the first Thursday evening in odd-numbered months at Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant.
Charles E. Hawkins Squadron 