Navy League looking to 'relaunch' in the Golden Isles

Originally published on January 29, 2025

By GORDON JACKSON gjackson@thebrunswicknews.com

Glynn County does not have a Navy base, but it used to have a Navy League chapter.

Now, there is an effort to reestablish a chapter in the Golden Isles.

A special event is planned 6 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Morningside Marina on St. Simons Island in what is described as a “relaunch effort” for a new Golden Isles Navy League chapter.

Dave Reilly, past national Navy League president, said the Golden Isles chapter disbanded during he COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s happened at several councils across the country,” he said. “It was such a good council. It did so much.”

The national Navy League is serious about reestablishing a chapter here. National Navy League President Chris “Towny” Townsend and Jack McCleskey, the regional Navy League president, will both attend the event and share their vision for the Navy League.

An new “innovative” council model will be introduced at the meeting. This fresh approach will focus on dynamic, engaging events designed to attract and inspire individuals who are passionate about supporting sea services.

“The national level was real interested in this area,” Reilly said.

People interested in joining or learning more are invited, he said. And, past military service is not required.

In fact, the only woman in Navy League history to serve as national president of the Navy League was Brunswick native state Sen. Sheila McNeill, who died last year. And she never served in the military.

But McNeill owned a business in Camden County and had close ties to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

While the Golden Isles does not have a Navy base, it does have many veterans who served in the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines Corps and Merchant Marines who have directly benefited by the Navy League’s support since the organization was established by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1902.

Organizers said this is a great opportunity to network for like-mined individuals willing to contribute their abilities to help shape the future of the Golden Isles Navy League.