The U.S. Naval Institute mourns the passing of Dr. Craig L. Symonds, distinguished naval historian, award-winning author, and professor emeritus of history at the U.S. Naval Academy. Through three decades of teaching and a lifetime of scholarship, he helped generations of naval officers and readers understand the people, decisions, and sacrifices that shaped our naval history. In May 2023, Dr. Symonds addressed the Naval Institute’s 150th Annual Meeting, reflecting on the enduring relationship between the Navy and its independent forum. His remarks became his most recent Proceedings article, “A Two-Way Street: The Navy–Naval Institute’s 150-Year Relationship.” In it, he described the Institute as “a sounding board and not an echo chamber”—a reminder of the value of thoughtful debate in advancing the naval profession. We honor his lasting contributions to naval history and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and former students. His legacy lives on in the people he taught and the history he brought to life. Read his article and revisit his 2023 remarks. usni.org/magazines/proceedin…

Today, on National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the American service members who endured captivity and remember those who never returned home. Their courage, sacrifice, and service must never be forgotten. We also recognize the families who have carried the burden of uncertainty and loss across generations. The U.S. Naval Institute joins the nation in remembering our prisoners of war and those still missing in action.