Today marks the Navy’s 246th Birthday. The central theme of this year’s 246th Navy Birthday and Heritage week is “Resilient and Ready”, which speaks to the Navy’s history of being able to shake off disaster, such as the loss of a ship or a global pandemic, and still maintain force lethality and preparedness. It allows the messaging to showcase readiness, capabilities, capacity, and of course the Sailor—all while celebrating our glorious victories at sea and honoring our shipmates who stand and have stood the watch.
From its humble beginnings in 1775 with two armed vessels trying to deter British munitions shipments, the Navy has grown to become the most powerful and influential force the world has ever known. In today’s complex global security environment, the Navy continues to provide constant forward-presence in areas where our interests are being challenged, in areas as diverse as the Persian Gulf, the South and East China Seas, the Red Sea, the North Atlantic, and beyond.
Economic prosperity is the cornerstone of American security, making the free flow of commerce a critical component of our national defense strategy. Roughly 90 percent of all world trade is conducted on the seas, and a strong, capable Naval force is essential to our ability to protect shipping lanes. Deployed globally, the U.S. Navy has maintained the freedom of the seas, protecting the open exchange of goods ensuring economic prosperity at home and around the world.
“From the victories of John Paul Jones aboard the USS Ranger to the recent christening of one of our newest warships, the USS Canberra (LCS 30), which was christened in Mobile, Alabama, the Navy has protected our shores and promoted our nation’s interests abroad,” Capt. Jeff Powell, commanding officer of the Naval Construction Battalion Center said. “The loyalty, dedication and courage of our Sailors, even in times of National distress, has always been and will always be the cornerstone of our success.”
For more information about Navy Region Southeast, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/cnrse
Story submitted by Brian Lamar, NCBC Public Affairs
