Hampton Roads

600 Lynnhaven Parkway  Suite 202 Virginia Beach, VA 23452

757-486-7654    navyleague@earthlink.net


Our members are experts on the issues driving decision-making on our sea services. Every other year, we analyze and recommend a way forward, so our legislators have a clear playbook on the best way to advocate on behalf of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.

We are a maritime nation, and we must make the right investments in our sea services for the future.

Get educated on our issues by downloading our policy statement for 2021-2022.


Supporting the  Sea Services

Message to Members from 

Chairman of the Board

Theodore Roosevelt

"Give hearty support to the policies which the Navy League is founded to further."

Upcoming Sea Service events

The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational and advocacy organization that supports America’s sea services — the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. 

The Navy League has provided a powerful voice for a stronger sea service to Congress and to the American people. We have grown into the foremost citizens’ organization to serve, support and stand with all the sea services – the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine.

As I begin my tenure as Chairman of the Board for the Hampton Roads Navy League, I want to express my thanks to Maryellen Baldwin and the Board for the invaluable opportunity.  Having served for 27 years in the Navy, with the majority of my career stationed in Hampton Roads, I am grateful to continue to serve amongst family and friends in our military community. 

I share the passion and commitment amongst our Board members to advance the important work in the advocacy for our Sea Services.  I also want to recognize the leadership of my predecessor, Jim Monroe, for his tireless work as Chairman the past three years.  Building on the advancements from Jim and the Board, and with Maryellen’s guidance, I am committed to promoting the vital work of our Navy League.

2020 was a year unlike any other in so many respects.  A worldwide pandemic has forever changed how we approach almost every aspect of our daily lives.  Communities and families have made adjustments and demonstrated resiliency amidst the uncertainty.  In business, Zoom meetings have become the norm but in time, we will return to face-to-face meetings.  This month, the American cycle of democracy continues with a new administration and a shift in the political control of Congress.   Throughout all of these changes, one constant remains; support for our Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsman, Merchant Marines, and their families.  Today more than ever, your Hampton Roads Navy League has an opportunity to strengthen the support for our service members, advocate for a strong sea service to the public and congress and mentor today’s youth.  More specifically, the mission of Navy League of Hampton Roads includes:  

Enhancing the morale of active-duty personnel and their families.                         
Informing Congress and the American public on the importance of a strong maritime defense.
Supporting youth through programs such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC, and Young Marines that expose young people to the values of our sea services.

Success in meeting our mission requires generosity from many of you.  Generosity can come in many forms.  First, I want to encourage you to share your insight, ideas, and feedback to best inform our Board of what is important to you.  With millions of people across Hampton Roads, the vast majority are connected to the Sea Services and hence, are impacted through the success of our mission.  Secondly, please consider introducing the Hampton Roads Navy League and our mission to a friend or Hampton Roads business.  Greater outreach will undoubtedly raise the awareness of our important mission and empower those to join us as members.  Lastly, consider a monetary donation to ensure we have the resources necessary to advance our cause in 2021 and beyond.  No amount is too small, and we are grateful for your consideration.    

During these uncertain times, and with your help, I promise to chart a steady course; one that brings greater awareness to our mission and empowers action to advance our cause.  I want to thank our Board members, past and present, and all of you who have been supporters of the Navy League of Hampton Roads.  I look forward to working with all of you in 2021 and in due time……face-to-face, once again.      

 Captain Lou Schager, USN (Ret) 

Virginia Economic Development Partnership Update

  Looking forward to future 2022 events Post Covid-19

NAvy League Releases 2021-2022 Maritime policy statement​


Our goal is to support more Virginia businesses with these resources and we welcome you to share this information with your network. Look forward to more updates like this with you on a monthly basis.


Guide to Supply Chain Management and Importing - In Virginia, 86% of businesses that engage in international trade depend on imports of intermediate goods. VEDP’s Guide to Supply Chain Management and Importing covers the basics of importing, focusing on the essential role of imports, compliance, and foreign trade zones. The guide also contains a comprehensive list of professional service providers, education opportunities, networking events, and online resources to assist Virginia businesses in optimizing their supply chains and importing.

 Exporting 101 Guide: Export Regulations - Any item that is sent from the U.S. to a foreign destination is considered an export, including commodities, software, and technology. Any company that is exporting is required to comply with U.S. export control laws. VEDP has prepared an Exporting 101 Guide to Export Regulations to help Virginia businesses learn more about how to comply with these regulations.  


International Sales Training Webinar Series - VEDP’s International Trade team hosted a three-part webinar training series on sales and communications, designed to help you perfect your virtual presentation, communication, and sales pitch skills. The series addressed how to adapt your approach to sales and communicating your company’s value proposition in the new world of virtual meetings. The recordings can be accessed for free 


Trade Mission to Canada - Oct. 18 - 21, 2021
Canada ranks as the top U.S. export market, accounting for 17.9% of all U.S. exports in 2019. The objective of this trade mission is to arrange and conduct quality meetings between Virginia businesses and potential sales partners and/or customers in Canada. VEDP’s goal is for these meetings to help participating businesses gain market intelligence and generate new sales in Canada.




















Trade Mission to Southern Africa – Nov. 1 - 5, 2021
The top opportunities for Virginia exporters in southern Africa include healthcare and medical devices, information technology, agriculture, and food processing technology, and mining equipment. The objective of this trade mission is to arrange and conduct quality meetings between Virginia businesses and potential sales partners and/or customers in southern Africa. This trade mission will visit Johannesburg, South Africa and there may be meetings in adjacent countries depending on the goals of each participant.