A tradition of service
at freedom's vanguard

The Ready Room Orientation Theater will offer a variety of brief presentations to visiting groups to provide context for the exhibits they will be viewing.

The Cold War was unlike any conflict before or since, and there were no clear precedents to guide the way. Our country's best course was to remain vigilant, strong, and prepared to respond to changing military and geopolitical conditions anywhere around the globe.

At the forefront of this strategy were the men and women of the United States Navy. Whether serving above, on, or below the seas, tens of thousands of dedicated Americans devoted untold hours far from home in the most remote parts of the world. These heroes were highly trained, mastering evolving technologies in order to help us maintain unquestioned sea superiority. In the process, we defended not only our own country's interests, but also those of our allies around the world.

The Cold War Gallery will give visitors the chance to see up close what it was like to prepare for and execute high-stakes missions from our aircraft carriers, to stand beside actual weaponry used by both sides in the conflict, and to understand the fascinating strategies and tactics of brinksmanship that defined the era.