The Navy is celebrating its 246th 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’s main Twitter account tweeted a video showing a fighter jet writing “246th” in the sky above Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG-73).
The Navy released a video of Secretary Carlos Del Toro recognizing the day with a message to service members. “On this 246th birthday of the United States Navy, think about the chain we all help forge with our service every day,” he said.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gilday tweeted a video along with the caption, “America’s need for a strong @USNavy is rooted in our past and has never been more important. Indeed, providing a safe, secure, and stable maritime system is an essential part of what our Navy does every day. Happy 246th #Birthday, #Shipmates!”
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.”
The National Guard commemorated the Navy’s birthday with their own animated video.
The U.S. Marine Corps honored the Navy birthday, saying, “We celebrate an organization #Marines have served alongside since our inception. Our shared core values of honor, courage, and commitment have created an unshakable bond. We look forward to many more years of service as a #BlueGreenTeam.”
The U.S. Air Force tweeted, “See you in the skies.” on the Navy’s birthday.
The Department of Defense tweeted, “On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established a naval force, hoping that a small fleet of privateers could attack British commerce and offset British sea power.”
