Photo By Sgt. Austin Long | Sailors, Marines, and soldiers participate in a 5k Fun Run hosted by the Navy in...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Service members celebrated the Navy’s 238th birthday at the town hall on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Oct. 13.
The ceremony featured a cake-cutting ceremony, a video covering naval history and the singing of ‘Anchors Aweigh.'
In 1972, the late Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, the Chief of Naval Operations from 1970 until 1974, authorized recognition of Oct. 13 as the official Navy birthday.
This year’s theme for the celebration was “Defending America with Pride since 1775.” The celebration reflected on key events in naval history since its establishment by congress.
“The Navy is not different from the other services. We love our history and heritage as much as they do,” said Command Master Chief Kelly McNulty, the Regional Command (Southwest) command master chief. “Today, we celebrate 238 years of sacrifice throughout our history by sailors and Marines through past wars and battles.”
Captain Andrew Johnson, the RC (SW) surgeon and the guest speaker, spoke about the history and traditions carried on since the Navy’s beginning.
“The key part of the birthday is passing on our history and heritage to preserve that tradition and knowledge,” said Johnson. “We’re not just celebrating our service to country or to the Navy, but where we come from, the sailors who came before us, the sailors coming after us and those who gave their lives.”
The cake cutting and passing of the first piece from the oldest sailor present to the youngest represented the passing of knowledge, history and past traditions. The oldest sailor present, Lt. Cmdr. Philip King, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing chaplain, passed the first piece of cake to the youngest, Petty Officer 3rd Class David Huezo, a corpsman with Combat Logistics Regiment 2.
“The Navy birthday is awesome,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Marshall, RC (SW)’s training petty officer. “There’s a lot of history and tradition behind it. Every time I go to a ceremony, I learn something new.”
The video featured Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike D. Stevens giving thanks to sailors for their service. They also addressed key points in naval history from the commissioning of the U.S.S. Constitution in 1775 to the Navy’s service in Afghanistan.
McNulty said she hopes everyone who attended took away an understanding of history and tradition. She said a constant emphasis is put on the Navy’s history because it is important to know what’s been done before so improvements can be made.
“It’s important to know our past, so we can grow in order to stay number one,” said McNulty. “It is up to senior leadership to pass on the knowledge, history, and traditions so we can maintain superiority as the greatest naval fleet in the world.”
The Navy also hosted a 5k fun run Oct 12 to celebrate the birthday. All service members and civilians working on Camps Leatherneck and Bastion were invited to participate.
| Date Taken: | 10.13.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.14.2013 08:59 |
| Story ID: | 115123 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Hometown: | AUSTIN, TEXAS, US |
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