Register for the

2025 National Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

14-18 October 2025

“Birth of a Maritime Nation”

Challenge Coin USS OLYMPIA (CA-6) 1775-2025 Philadelphia, PA “Birth of a Maritime Nation”

Cancellation Policy:

Registration fees may be refunded as follows: 100% refund until 15 July; 75% until 15 August 2025; after 1 October no refunds will be made due to contractual commitments with the hotel for catering services.

This year we’ll meet in Philadelphia amidst a plethora of activities associated with the 250th anniversary of the Navy’s founding; an extraordinary opportunity for our companions. The theme is “Birth of a Maritime Nation” to celebrate our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard whose origins trace to our Nation’s second Capitol.

Highlights include customary opening ceremonies and activities, occasions to spend time with companions, and the unique attractions of Philadelphia and the Navy’s and Marine Corps' anniversary celebrations (Homecoming 250 ).

The Admiral of the Navy George Dewey Award will be presented aboard Dewey’s flagship USS OLYMPIA (C-6) followed by a luncheon aboard M/V MOSHULU, a four-masted barque, the largest square-rigged sailing vessel afloat. There will be a panel discussion of three former Secretaries of the Navy, Companions John Lehman, Kenneth Braithwaite and Ray Mabus, and other thought-provoking presentations. Tours for spouses and guests will be conducted while roundtables and business meetings are held.

The Congress will be held at the Element Hotel, at 1441 Chestnut Street, conveniently located in Downtown Philadelphia in close proximity to a variety of key sites. Reservations for the Congress hotel can be extended 3 days before and after the Congress to accommodate a number of the Navy-Marine Corps Homecoming 250 activities as well as the countless Philadelphia site-seeing venues.

Please consider registering for the 2025 annual Congress and making reservations for accommodations at the Element Hotel in Philadelphia as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you!

Updated 06 May 2025