The Navy is celebrating its 244th birthday on Oct. 13 and released two birthday message videos to commemorate the occasion.
The first came Thursday and features a joint message from Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger.
“The Navy’s watch to protect freedom of the seas with honor, courage, and commitment began 244 years ago. As we celebrate across our fleet, we renew our commitment to be ready, to remember those who forged our legacy, and to honor our families and our loved ones who stand beside us,” Gilday said.
“We celebrate with you as sailors and Marines remain ready in every fleet, and operate together as an integrated naval force,” Berger said.
“With 290 ships, about a third of which are underway today, your Navy and Marine Corps are America’s away team. We enable prosperity, 24/7, 365 at home and abroad, by ensuring peace, stability, and security,” Gilday said.
Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer also released a birthday message in his own video on Friday.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, we turn 244! Check out @secnav76 Richard V. Spencer’s birthday message to all the Sailors and their family members around the fleet. #244NavyBday pic.twitter.com/Xr4SsdFOz7
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) October 11, 2019
“For nearly two and a half centuries, the United States Navy has served as the nation’s global maneuver force, ensuring strength through wartime, peacetime, and many times in between. On the waves, in the air, under sea, and across the cyber domain, you, the sailors and Navy civilians, bring a fighting spirit that fuels the sense of urgency we need to complete our mission,” Spencer said.
“Solve the problems in front of you, send solutions up the chain, and empower those you command to do the same,” Spencer urged. “Ask yourselves each and every day ‘how can we accomplish our mission better, faster, and more efficiently?’”
“There is no higher honor than serving in the department of the Navy and integrated naval force with our Marine teammates. Together, I am confident that we will stand ready to answer the nation’s call,” Spencer added.
“My wife Polly and I are forever grateful to you for ensuring our strength abroad and safety at home,” Spencer said. “God bless you, your families, and happy birthday, Navy.”
The Navy was created in 1775 when Congress voted to weaponize two vessels and assign an 80-man crew to each one. The vessels then deployed on a three-month mission to stop munitions from reaching British armies.
What was once considered “the maddest idea on the world” by opponents in Congress then quickly gained steam, and paved a legacy that lives on today.
