The Walt Disney Company Celebrates 250 Years of the United States Navy
The Walt Disney Company commemorated the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary today by highlighting its deep connection to the United States military branch.
Disney’s commitment to honoring United States military veterans is woven into the foundation of the company.
Both Walt and Roy. O Disney was dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans.
Photo: Disney
As many know, Walt Disney drove ambulances for the American Red Cross during World War I. At the same time, Roy O. Disney served in the Navy.
WWII and the Seabees
During World War II, Disney received numerous requests to design insignia for various units.
Photo: Disney
Over the course of the war, more than 1,2000 insignia were produced by Disney studio artists, helping boost morale overseas.
Among the logos drawn for service members were insignia created for the Naval Construction Battalions, or Seabees, which were established after America entered World War II.
Photo: Disney
Decades later, in recognition of Walt’s patriotism and dedication, he was bestowed with a statue and the title of Honorary Seabee in 1966.
Photo: Disney
Today, guests can see that award in the Main Street Opera House as part of Walt Disney – A Magical Life.
Admiral Joe Fowler
In addition to Roy Disney, numerous other Navy veterans would play a key role in Disney history.
Photo: Disney
For example, Navy Rear Admiral Joe Fowler, who had served in both World Wars and oversaw the construction of aircraft carriers during World War II, was tasked by Walt Disney with leading the construction of Disneyland in 1954.
Eventually, Fowler would accomplish the impossible and have Disneyland ready for its 1955 opening.
Photo: Disney Parks
Later, Fowler would be tasked with leading the planning and building of Walt Disney World.
Finally, Walt also tasked Fowler with serving as a technical advisor on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea!
(AP Photo/Jim Kerlin)
Today, tributes to Admiral Fowler can be found in Disneyland (Fowler’s Harbor) and Walt Disney World, where the ferry boat that transports guests across the Seven Seas Lagoon was rechristened the Admiral Joe Fowler in 1997.
Prior to that, one of the steamboats that cruised the Rivers of America bore Admiral Fowler’s name.
Card Walker
As it turns out, Fowler wasn’t the only U.S. Navy veteran to work on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Photo: D23
Card Walker, a fellow serviceman who would later be named vice president of advertising and sales, was tasked with promoting the film.
Having first joined Disney in 1938, Walker left the company to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Photo: Also D23
Returning to Disney after the war, he would go on to have an illustrious career that would eventually see him serve as vice president of marketing, executive vice president of operations, executive vice president and chief operating officer, president and chief executive officer of Walt Disney Productions.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Throughout the history of the Disney Parks, tributes to the Navy and its veterans have been prominent.
Photo: D23
When Disneyland opened the Submarine Voyage in 1959, the attraction included a fleet of submarines named after real-life Navy vessels, including Nautilus, Seawolf, Skate, Skipjack, Triton, George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Ethan Allen.
Additionally, the attraction’s grand opening and dedication ceremony were led by Navy Admiral Charles C. Kirkpatrick.
Photo: MickeyBlog
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