Navy Exchange: You Serve, You Save

Honoring the Legacy

Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Navy

The Navy Exchange proudly salutes the United States Navy on its 250th birthday as the strongest sea fighting force in the world. As our brave Sailors continue to keep our seas safe and our nation strong, the Navy Exchange remains dedicated to standing by their side—providing exceptional service and unparalleled support to those who courageously defend our freedom and protect our prosperity.

Join the Festivities

Check Out These Upcoming NEXCOM Events Celebrating Navy 250

Donuts for Dad

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Celebrate Father’s Day weekend at your NEX! Kids are invited to bring dad, grandpa, uncle or another special person for a sweet treat on Saturday, June 14th.

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Founded on Freedom Virtual 10K

July 4 - July 12, 2025

Celebrate America’s Birthday with Stars, Stripes, and Strides! Get ready for the Founded on Freedom 10K, where we’ll be crossing the finish line in celebration of America’s birthday!

REGISTRATION BEGINS JUNE 20, 2025

Founded on Freedom 10K

Saturday, July 12, 2025

The in-person 10K will take place on July 12 at Earhart Field, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Registration begins June 1 at Hickam Memorial Fitness Center, or register the day of the event at Earhart Field starting at 5:30 a.m.

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Coming soon!

More NEXCOM events coming soon! Click below to see more Navy 250 related events.

NAVY 250 EVENTS

NAVY

DEFINING MOMENTS IN NEXCOM'S HISTORY

1896 - First Canteen

The first canteen was established on the USS Indiana and sold only beer. These small stores, known as slop chests, were established with funds contributed by the crew, and the profits were used for Morale, Welfare and Recreational purposes.

USS Indiana in 1896

1909 - Naval Appropriations Act

The Naval Appropriations Act gave legal status to ship’s stores and commissary stores and directed they operate strictly on a not-for-profit basis. In the same year, the first ship’s stores were established by a general order of the Secretary of the Navy.

Early Canteen Essentials

1929 - Ship's Stores

The operation of ship’s stores was made mandatory on ships having supply officers as department heads. Additionally, to meet the needs of Sailors, service stores began operating ashore and also offered many afloat conveniences, including laundry, barber shop and tailoring.

USN Ship's Store Color Postcard

1944 - Ship's Store Division

Ship’s stores and service stores operated side by side until a plan was approved to merge the two. The Bureau of Supplies and Accounts established the Ship’s Store Division. It supervised the stores and established operational guidelines.

USS Denver Ship’s Store

1945 - Capt. W.H. Bingham

Sailors could eat ice cream at a soda fountain operated by their ship’s store and candy bars were a just a nickel. Capt. W.H. Bingham, Supply Corps, USN, was appointed to head a committee to develop detailed plans for the establishment of a central retail organization.

BB44 USS California During WW2

1946 - Navy Ship’s Store Office

April 1 - The Navy Ship’s Store Office (NSSO) was officially established based on the Bingham Committee’s recommendation, to be responsible for the oversight of the Navy ship’s stores ashore, commissary stores and ship’s service stores. Then Capt. T.L. Becknell Jr., Supply Corps, USN served as the first Officer in Charge of NSSO.

Rear Admiral T.L. Becknell

1950 - The Navy Ship’s Store Office

The Navy Ship’s Store Office assumed control of approximately 60 Military Sea Transportation Service exchanges. MSTS vessels regularly ferried service members and their families to and from overseas duty stations and offered a wide selection merchandise and services.

Navy CPO and Family Debarks in NYC from Germany

1955 - The Navy Ship’s Store Office

The Navy Ship’s Store Office adopted the retail trend of self-service, which increased customer convenience, store traffic and sales. Due to the Korean War, the national average cost of gasoline was about $0.29 per gallon, with some places giving .05 discounts for pumping your own.

NEX Service Station in Mayport, Florida

1955 - Commissary Store Division

The Navy Ship’s Store Office officially established a Commissary Store Division. Its primary mission was to provide military personnel with essential food items at the lowest cost. The Commissary Division Bakery could produce 5,000 loaves of bread in eight hours.

CSC (Commissaryman Chief Petty Officer) E. F. Andrews USN

1956 - Worldwide Growth

Ten years after its establishment, the Navy Ship’s Store Office marked worldwide growth, with sales of over $2 billion and $126 million in recreation funds distributed. The rate of babies born to Navy parents also increased the same year, with 1,000 born each week!

All Hands Magazine Cover, Special Issue

1958 - Navy Exchanges

Streamlining support for sailors and their families, the Secretary of the Navy directed a shift: all ashore stores with grocery sections would be commissaries focused on providing food at the lowest prices and operate with government appropriated funds. Navy Exchanges carried retail merchandise and operated with non-appropriated funds.

NEX in Brooklyn, New York

Reasons to

Shop Your Nex

Never Pay Sales Tax

You’ve earned this benefit—now maximize it! In store and online, shop tax-free every day.

Price Match Guarantee

Our price match policy means the NEX will match any retailer’s advertised price!

Relax & Recharge

Meet up with friends, enjoy free Wi-Fi, or try the newest technology at your NEX. Plus, many stores have a dedicated area to hang out while charging electronics.

Save on Brands You Love

We are constantly searching for the hottest trends from brands you love. We partner with the most iconic brands to bring our deserving military families tax-free exclusive savings that can’t be found at other retailers.

Your One-Stop Shop

We offer the best brand names in beauty, apparel, jewelry, footwear, home goods, appliances, furniture, and more! The NEX also provides services including haircuts, car care centers and gas stations, food outlets, and more.

Free Shipping, Free Returns

We deliver right to your door. Receive free standard shipping when you spend $49.95 or more, or when you use your MILITARY STAR card. In store returns are fast and easy and receive free returns with online orders.

DONT FORGET

To Show Your Navy Pride

Navy 250 Gear

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Navy Pride

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