By Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division
The contributions of the Palmetto State to the U.S. Navy stretch back to the nation’s origins and are uniquely reflected in the ships that have been named for the state, its cities, places, and people.
There have been at least 40 ships named for the state, including at least nine of them being named for the state capital, Columbia.
Did you know – the first Columbia was a 44-gun frigate that was burned on the stocks while under construction at Washington Navy Yard in 1814, to prevent her from falling into enemy hands?
Chief Petty Officer James E. Williams, was born in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Chief Williams is the most decorated enlisted man in U.S. Navy History, even recieving the Medal of Honor for his actions in Vietnam.
Learn more about the great state of South Carolina below!
