NSGL Celebrates Navy’s 246th Birthday

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Brigitte Johnston | GREAT LAKES, Il. (October 13, 2021) Navy Band Great Lakes plays "Anchors Aweigh" during Naval Station Great Lakes' birthday celebration at Ross Theater. Commands and Sailors across the fleet celebrated the Navy's founding on October 13, 1775. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brigitte Johnston)  

GREAT LAKES, IL, UNITED STATES

10.14.2021

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brigitte Johnston 

Naval Station Great Lakes

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Oct. 14, 2021) – Sailors from Naval Station Great Lakes celebrated the 246th birthday of the United States Navy during a ceremony at Ross Theater.
“This year’s theme 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,” said Capt. Jason J. Williamson, Naval Station Great Lakes’ commanding officer. “With the establishment of our Navy in 1775 and continuing to our current modern fleet, our Navy has stood the watch. The United States Navy has been the shield of the Republic for more than two centuries.”
NSGL’s ceremony featured Williamson as the keynote speaker for the event. Navy Band Great Lakes performed a medley of marches, the national anthem, and “Anchors Aweigh” for attendees. This performance was one of the first for the 20-piece ensemble following closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was our honor to perform for the Navy's 246th birthday ceremony,” said Chief Musician (Select) Diane Potts. “The women and men of Navy Band Great Lakes would like to say thank you to [NSGL] for a beautiful ceremony and for their constant support.”
The ceremony closed with a traditional cake cutting by NSGL’s Executive Officer, Capt. Kenneth Williams, with Seaman Joselie Lozada-Ramsamy. In Naval tradition, the oldest and youngest Sailors at the command participate in the cake cutting to represent the passing of naval traditions to the latest generation of Sailors.
NSGL’s galleys also provided a special meal for roughly 2,000 students and 7,000 recruits celebrating their first Navy birthday. Galley staff served steak, lobster, side dishes, and ice cream. Capt. Williams conducted a cake cutting with Seaman Isaiah Jaquez, assigned to Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit Great Lakes.
“I want to thank the Goodwill galley staff for putting out the multitude of steak and lobster tails for the students at Galley 535 and the recruits over at RTC,” said Greg Wright, NSGL’s food service officer.
For more news from Naval Station Great Lakes, visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/NSGLPA or www.facebook.com/NavalStationGreatLakes.

• Date Taken: 10.14.2021
• Date Posted: 10.15.2021 11:33
• Story ID: 407331
• Location: GREAT LAKES, IL, US