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Navy Quotes

On fleets, sailors, and life after service.

This page gathers historical and personal reflections on naval life, from early arguments over building a competitive fleet to sharp observations about class divides among sailors. For related themes, see the American quotes page.

We had not had time to establish ourselves as a double act before Ernie joined the Merchant Navy. I teamed up with the brother of the late Dave Morris.

Quotes by Eric Morecambe

My father served in Vietnam - the respect I have for the Navy is profound.

Quotes by Eric Dane

I grew up in a Navy family.

Quotes by Elizabeth Edwards

USNA had a great engineering school, which was one of my interests, and I knew I would benefit from the great discipline and accountability that Navy provides.

Quotes by David Robinson

Believe it or not, the Navy requires plebes to actually be able to swim.

Quotes by David Robinson

Before the BBC, I joined the Navy in order to travel.

Quotes by David Attenborough

My uncle and my grandfather both worked in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Quotes by Dave Van Ronk

I stayed in the Navy until July of 1946.

Quotes by Daniel J. Evans

I got called back into the Navy during the Korean War.

Quotes by Daniel J. Evans

I know from my experience as a Navy SEAL that barriers work.

Quotes by Dan Crenshaw

Two weeks before the attack on the USS Cole and then again two days before the attack, they saw through their analysis that a major event was going to occur in Yemen. They told the Navy not to bring the...

Quotes by Curt Weldon

I've always been fascinated with Navy SEALs in general and their role in Afghanistan in particular.

Quotes by Christopher McQuarrie

I don't have any delusions. I don't think I would make it through Navy SEAL training.

Quotes by Chris Pratt

In 2010, I was an executive officer in the Navy, splitting my time between U.S. headquarters and being deployed to an international location.

Quotes by Chris Fussell

I had spent years in the United States military. Specifically in the U.S. Navy.

Quotes by Chris Gardner

It is the function of the Navy to carry the war to the enemy so that it is not fought on U.S. soil.

Quotes by Chester W. Nimitz

There's a lot of racism when I was in the Navy, and I had to deal with that.

Quotes by Charlie Murphy

We saw the integration of the female pilots in the Navy, in combat roles, and the resistance there in the beginning.

Quotes by Brandon Webb

After serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL, I started a business. In four years, it failed incredibly, but I learned a lot about business, raising equity, and choosing partners.

Quotes by Brandon Webb

As a Navy SEAL, and sniper, one of the things I learned was that excellence matters.

Quotes by Brandon Webb

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical topics do these Navy quotes touch on?
They include early debates about matching a rival naval power's strength, and firsthand accounts of ship modifications made for specific voyages.
Is there a quote about class divides in naval history?
Yes, one sharply notes that in an earlier era, the seamen aboard weren't considered gentlemen, and the gentlemen weren't considered proper seamen, highlighting social distinctions of the time.
Do any quotes discuss life after naval service?
One reflects on how capable people who left the navy often moved into advertising, describing it as the appealing career path at the time.
Are these quotes historical, modern, or both?
Both. Some come from earlier centuries discussing fleet strategy, while others offer a more contemporary look at post-service careers.
Where can I find more quotes about ambition and capability?
The Able quotes page has related sayings on skill and readiness.

One modern reflection also touches on where sharp veterans went after leaving the service. Explore Able and Anything for more on capability and ambition.