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

Strides of Honor Virtual 5K

May 17-May 25, 2025

In celebration of Armed Forces Day, join us for our Strides of Honor Virtual 5K. Run, walk, hike, bike, roll or stroll the 3.1 miles.

Strides of Honor in Person

Saturday, May 17, 2025

The in-person race will take place on May 17, with a free cookout and plenty of family activities at the finish line! It will take place at Rockwell Hall at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Register now through MWR and complete the race in person!

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.

More details & participating locations coming soon!

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.

U.S.S. Indiana-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.

Canteen image

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.

1930-45 USN ship's store 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, a cruiser in 1940s

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

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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