Happy 245th birthday to the U.S. Navy today! The central theme of this year's 245th birthday and heritage week is "Victory at Sea," which encompasses the Navy's efforts in battle during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Though is was not their intent when they left port January 17, 2020, two Navy ships blew past the previous (160) days at sea record this year, giving them their own "victory at sea" within the Naval community with 205 days at sea.
A resolution of the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775 established what is now the United States Navy. The resolution stated, "a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months….”
After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy April 30, 1798.
In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of October 13th as the birthday of the U.S. Navy. Since then, each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”
As with all days, I encourage you to thank a service member and/or their family for their commitment to serving their country.
