RICHMOND, Va. –
In honor of the U.S. Navy’s 247th birthday, Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s Customer Operations Directorate, Navy Customer Facing Division, hosted a celebration in the Frank B. Lotts Conference Center on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia, Oct. 13.
Birthday festivities included the playing of the National Anthem and a message from Navy Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, James Honea.
The celebration ended staying true to Navy tradition with the cutting of the birthday cake by the guest of honor along with the oldest and youngest sailors in attendance.
“Traditionally, a sword is used to cut the cake as a reminder that we are a band of warriors, committed to carrying arms so that our Nation may live in peace,” said Navy Cmdr. Jonathan Schumann, operations officer, DLA Aviation Customer Operations Directorate, Navy Customer Facing Division, who served as the master of ceremonies.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “On Watch – 24/7 for 247 Years,” and highlights the Navy’s enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emanating threats.
“Together we continue to stand the watch and prepare for combat 24-hours a day, seven days a week as we have for the past 247 years,” Gilday said.