The Ohio Naval Militia (Ohio Navy) is the naval militia of the State of Ohio. It is the naval arm of the State of Ohio's Adjutant General's Department, and is part of Ohio's military forces.

Their operational headquarters are on the Camp Perry Joint Training Center, in Port Clinton, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie.

Members, who are at least 18 years of age (17 with parental consent; there are no upper age limitations), typically drill one weekend a month and one "short" week in the summer. From the months of April, through November, the drills consist primarily of patrolling the impact area of Lake Erie immediately adjacent to Camp Perry's firing range.

History

thumb|right|The USS Essex, loaned to the Ohio Naval Militia to serve as a training ship, in 1913.On March 1, 1896, an act was passed by the Ohio General Assembly providing for the organization of two battalions to be known as the Naval Brigade of the National Guard of Ohio. Without funds for outfitting or maintenance, they mustered in Toledo in July and through further organization, one battalion was located in Cleveland and one in Toledo.

In 1898, the United States Congress declared war against Spain. In an effort to get Spain out of Cuba, President William McKinley was authorized to use all land and naval forces, as well as militia to enforce Congressional demands. At this time, the naval forces in the State of Ohio became the Ohio Naval Militia (ONM). The Ohio Naval Militia participated in the war, fighting as part of the 10th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

In 1936, a new Naval Militia Armory, located in Bayview Park in Toledo and built by the WPA was dedicated. It served the needs of the ONM until 1947 when it was taken over by the newly formed U.S. Naval Reserve.

Mission

thumb|right|A member of the Ohio Naval Militia inventories Covid-19 testing kits.The ONM assists in natural disasters or other emergencies, as called upon by the governor or the Adjutant General.

Their active mission is to patrol the government impact area off Camp Perry, in the waters of Lake Erie. It is a live-fire area that requires keeping pleasure boaters and fishermen from entering. By patrolling the impact area, the ONM provides support for the Ohio National Guard and other state and federal military units as they perform weapons qualifications prior to deploying.

The Ohio Naval Militia is organized into ship companies, with a maximum of three companies. Each company comprises two to three divisions. However, in the event of an emergency declared by the President or Congress or caused by enemy action, the governor, as the commander-in-chief, has the authority to expand the forces as necessary to meet the situation's needs.

  • Adjutant General - Brigadier General Matthew S. Woodruff, ARNG.

See also

  • Ohio Military Reserve
  • United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

References

  • Ohio Naval Militia
  • Official State of Ohio Web site

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