United States Navy

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There is a long, proud tradition of United States Navy involvement in the exploration and governance of both Westarctica and the entire continent of Antarctica. Without the influence of the Navy, it's quite possible Westarctica would not exist at all.

Grand Duke Travis onboard the USS Kearsarge in 2003

Naval exploration of Western Antarctica

From the 1920s to the 1960s, the United States Navy led the world in exploration of Marie Byrd Land, the most remote part of Antarctica, which remained largely unexplored and had not been claimed by any nation.

Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd was the driving force behind the Navy's penetration into the Great White Continent and his teams largely consisted of Navy personnel with some civilian scientists to support their operations. As a result of this heavy involvement of U.S. sailors and naval officers, most features in Westarctica were consequently named after them. A few examples include:

  • Dorrel Rock: Leo E. Dorrel - Hospital corpsman at Byrd Station.
  • McDonald Heights: Captain Edwin A. McDonald - Deputy Commander of the U.S. Naval Support Force, Antarctica.
  • Breeding Nunatak: George H. Breeding - Storekeeper of Byrd Station.
  • Cape Burks: Lieutenant Commander Ernest Burks - Senior helicopter pilot on the USS Glacier.
  • Dotson Ice Shelf: Lieutenant William A. Dotson - formerly Officer in Charge of the Ice Reconnaissance Unit of the Naval Oceanographic Office.

Navy personnel in Westarctica

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The USS Kearsarge, home to many of Westarctica's nobles from 2001 - 2004. Photograph taken by the Count of Ellsworth in 2003

From the early days of the Achaean Territory, active duty U.S. Navy sailors have always held prominent positions in the government and nobility of Westarctica.

  • Count of Ellsworth: James Truett was a Photographer's Mate 1st Class onboard the Kearsage and was given a title after he expressed interest in joining the nobility of Westarctica. He designed some stamps that were ultimately not used, and provided some photographic services to the Crown.
  • Marquise of Walgreeen: The former Grand Duchess Cathryn, Grand Duke Travis' first wife, was an Intelligence Specialist stationed on the USS Kearsarge and later served at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia.