About AUSN
Between World War I and World War II, the Naval Reserve Officers Association (NROA) successfully advocated for a robust Reserve Force to supplement the United States Navy. At the end of World War II, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal established the Reserve Officers of the Naval Service (RONS), comprising Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserve officers. In 1946, RONS combined with the NROA to form RONS-NROA.
In keeping with the spirit of unification of the Armed Forces, RONS-NROA merged into the older all-services Reserve Officers Association (ROA) in 1948. However, it became apparent that an organization was needed that would speak solely for the Navy, the Naval Reserve, and Naval Reserve officers. In 1954, with encouragement and support from senior Navy officers, 43 Naval Reserve officers founded the Naval Reserve Association (NRA). NRA was incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1954 as a veterans organization.
As the Naval Reserve became more fully integrated into the fleet and the United States Navy transitioned to a part-time, full-time force, the need for broader support for all Sailors, active, retired, or former, became apparent. In 2009, the NRA became the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN). Today, our members are drawn from the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and the military community’s friends and family.
Our Mission
The Association of the United States Navy strives to advance the interests of the U.S. Navy and to protect the rights and benefits of its Sailors. AUSN members include active and reserve officers, enlisted and civilian, serving, veteran, and retired, and their families.
Today, AUSN is the leading voice for America’s Sailors, a strong supporter of American naval power, a leading provider of professional career development, and the largest advocacy association for the Navy and current and former Sailors.
