Lieutenant Commander V. S. Houston, a native of Hawaii and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, played a crucial instructional role in preparing Hawaii’s Naval Militia for active duty. As commanding officer of the U.S.S. St. Louis and official Inspector-Instructor for the militia, he oversaw training cruises and operational readiness, helping convert raw recruits into combat-ready sailors. His work ensured that Hawaii’s volunteers were able to serve effectively in the Atlantic convoys and other key naval missions during World War I.
