 Welcome to All Hands Update. This is your week in Navy history. December 14th, 1944, the rank of Fleet Admiral or Five-Star Admiral of the U.S. Navy is established during World War II due to the rapid build-up of U.S. military forces. The first five-star admirals were William D. Leahy, Ernest J. King and Chester W. Nimitz. Admiral William F. Halsey joined the selected group December 11th, 1945. On December 16th, 1907, by the order of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Great White Fleet departed Hampton Roads, Virginia to circumnavigate the world in 14 months, a journey of 43,000 miles that included 20 port calls across six continents. 14,000 sailors and Marines participated in the voyage aboard 16 battleships and various escort ships, leaving a lasting legacy at home and abroad. If you would like to learn more about these facts and the Navy's history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Commands website.