Officers of the New York Naval Militia’s 1st Battalion Naval Reserve Artillery pose for a photograph in 1891, the year the first unit of 15 officers and 190 enlisted Sailors was accepted for duty as part of New York’s Military Forces. The Legislature officially recognized the force on June 23, 1891.
Today the Naval Militia comprises more then 2,500 members of the United States Navy Reserve, United States Marine Corps Reserve, United States Coast Guard Reserve who agree to perform state active duty when called and a small core of retired military volunteers. The unique force provides New York with skills learned through their military training and also man a fleet of nine patrol boats that can be employed in support of law enforcement.
DMNA Press Releases
Loading Press Releases...NY National Guard In the News
Sullivan County Democrat -- Tue, 10 Feb 2026 Prepare for emergencies at free class NARROWSBURG The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) and New York National Guard invite river valley residents in New York and Pennsylvania to attend a free Citizen Preparedness Training course on... (more)
CPA Journal -- Mon, 09 Feb 2026 Remembering a Forgotten Leader and New Yorks First African American CPA: The Legacy of General Wilmer F. Lucas When Brigadier General Wilmer F. Lucas retired from the United States Army Reserve, he did so as a war hero who had led the Harlem Hellfighters at the World War II battle of Okinawa. For his... (more)
Times Union, -- Mon, 09 Feb 2026 Duty Calls: Niskayuna resident takes command of 5,100 soldiers New York Army National Guard Col. Jason Lefton of Niskayuna, an Iraq War veteran, took command of 5,100 soldiers of the 53rd Troop Command during a ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt... (more)