Members of the Navy from organizations across the McNamara Headquarters Complex came together to celebrate 241 years of history during the Navy’s birthday ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Oct. 12.
Keynote speaker for the event Navy Rear Adm. Scott Jerabek, deputy director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, highlighted heroic actions from the Navy’s past and ways in which it’s staying strong today.
“The Navy’s central theme for this year is ‘America’s Sailor. For 241 Years: Tough, Bold and Ready,’” Jerabek said. “For almost two and a half centuries, the U.S. Navy has been the cornerstone of American security and prosperity around the world.”
“All through history, our navy has been a force to be reckoned with, and at the heart of that success has been the American Sailor. It’s great to see all you American Sailors here today, past and present,” he added.
Jerabek, along Barbara Danaher and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Adrian Walter, the oldest and youngest past and present Navy audience members, respectively, cut the ceremonial birthday cake before the event concluded with the crowd singing “Anchors Aweigh.”