The Navy is celebrating its 245th birthday on Oct. 13 and released several birthday message videos to commemorate the occasion.
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.
The Navy released a video of Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite recognizing the day.
A legacy of #VictoryAtSea 245 years in the making — a Navy that stands to protect and serve the United States of America around the globe.
“… I am honored to stand with you in that mission … Happy Birthday, Navy.”
— @SECNAV, Hon. Kenneth J. Braithwaite#245NavyBday pic.twitter.com/2xVWq8xXyz
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) October 13, 2020
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gilday tweeted, “As #Sailors, we’ve always been #AmericasAwayTeam, and today, after 245 years, we continue to stand the watch at home and around the world. Couldn’t be more proud of the work our @USNavy does each and every day. Happy 245th Birthday, Shipmates!”
As #Sailors, we’ve always been #AmericasAwayTeam, and today, after 245 years, we continue to stand the watch at home and around the world. Couldn’t be more proud of the work our @USNavy does each and every day. Happy 245th Birthday, Shipmates! ⚓️🚢🦅 pic.twitter.com/BrWQ3c8kF7
— USNavyCNO (@USNavyCNO) October 13, 2020
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith tweeted, “This past year has been full of challenges and uncertainty — but we faced it head on as a team. Happy Birthday, @USNavy ! Continue to sail safe and take care of one another.”
“This past year has been full of challenges and uncertainty — but we faced it head on as a team. Happy Birthday, @USNavy! Continue to sail safe and take care of one another.” -MCPON Smith#245NavyBDay pic.twitter.com/CYMHKzRPmZ
— MCPON (@NavyMCPON) October 13, 2020
Commander of the U.S. Central Command Gen. Frank McKenzie released a video thanking the U.S. Navy for its role in the U.S. military.
“Naval power is the natural defense of the United States,” McKenzie said. “For 245 years, the U.S. Navy has been protecting our homeland and our interests around the world.”
Thank you @US5thFleet for everything you do for us, and happy 245th birthday to the @USNavy . #CENTCOMCDR pic.twitter.com/fjmkTFundI
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 13, 2020
USS Nimitz posted a video compilation of flight operations on the carrier to celebrate the day.
