Don Winslow of the Navy’s comic ship set sail in 1934 as a means to address the low naval recruitment of America during WWI. By illustrating the Navy as having wild, exciting adventures dealing with spies, assassins and other bad guys, the strip served its purpose of enticing young lads of recruitment age to come aboard and join the United States Navy.

Don Winslow was created by the brilliant mind of Frank V. Martinek, a veteran of World War I Naval intelligence. His daily strip made its first appearance from The Bell Syndicate in 1934 and a Sunday page was added the following year.

The comic revolved around the life of Don, a lieutenant commander in naval intelligence. His personality was mundane but he served his main function of making the Navy look good. His intelligence was right on point, as were his fighting skills. However, we would expect nothing less from a Navy lieutenant who brawls grueling battles with the likes of The Scorpion, The Crocodile, Dr. Q and other evil nemeses. Don’s team consisted of his sidekick, Lt. Red Pennington, who provided much of the brute strength and muscle and Don’s girlfriend, Mercedes Colby. She became a nurse for the Navy and helped bandage the two men once their combats were won.

Fawcett Publications printed Don Winslow of the Navy comic book title in 1943, where new stories rather than re-prints were used. The comic book had a good run until 1948. In 1955, it was revived again by Charlton Comics which derived many titles from Fawcett's departure from the comic book business. Charlton reprinted Fawcett's stories for four issues in Don’s own book and then continued them in the back pages of other titles such as Fightin' Navy.

Don Winslow of the Navy hit the silver screen in 1942 produced by Universal Pictures. It was such a hit, a television spin-off called Don Winslow of the Coast Guard followed shortly thereafter. At the end of WWII, it was no longer needed as a propaganda tool and Don’s ship finally sank for good in 1955.