Rhode Island Naval Militia
[4] USS Miantonomoh served briefly under the Rhode Island Naval Militia before her decommissioning in November 1895.[8] In early 1916 recently retired Lieutenant (junior grade) Richard E. Byrd, USN was appointed as Inspector and Instructor of the RINM.He is credited with making great strides in improving the efficiency of the RINM and was elected by its members as its commander in December 1916.[citation needed] In the early 1970s, due to historical interest caused by the Bicentennial of the American Revolution, the RI Naval Militia was reformed as one of the state's historic military commands with the replica sloop Providence as its flagship.Under Rhode Island law, no employer may fire an employee due to the employee's membership in the Rhode Island Naval Militia, or due to their obligation to perform military service, or attempt to hinder their ability to perform military service.