Fort McHenry celebrates Navy’s 237th birthday

Courtesy Photo | Sailors parade the colors during a celebration to commemorate the 237th birthday of the Navy aboard the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). Fort McHenry, homeported out of Little Creek, Va., is on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Quartermaster 3rd Class Stephen Singleton/Released)  

MEDITERRANEAN SEA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

10.14.2012

Courtesy Story

NR NAVINFO CNE-CNA/C6F

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erik Luebke
Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe

MEDITERRANEAN SEA – Sailors aboard the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) held a birthday celebration to mark the Navy’s 237th birthday on the flight deck, Oct 14.

During the ceremony, the ship struck eight bells and held a cake-cutting on the mess decks to bring sailors together and honor the day that the Continental Congress formed the Navy.

Lt. Jeffrey Hoyle said today’s Sailors create and preserve the Navy’s traditions and excellence for the next generation.

“I take pride every day seeing everyone putting forth so much effort, continuously training new Sailors to take on more responsibilities, so they can do the same for others,” said Lt. Hoyle. “You are all at the tip of the spear.”

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Charles Canterbudy read Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus’ birthday message to the crew.

“While we have innovated and built the world’s greatest fleet through the years, what makes our Navy part of the best expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known is our sailors,” said Mabus. “You are standing watch and sustaining peace in the global commons.”

As part of the Navy’s birthday tradition, the youngest and oldest sailors aboard the ship cut the ceremonial birthday cake.

“It was definitely an amazing experience,” said Seaman Marie Leau, the youngest Sailor aboard Fort McHenry. “I’m honored that I was able to take part in such a big naval tradition.”

USS Fort McHenry, homeported out of Little Creek, Va., is currently on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 10.14.2012
• Date Posted: 10.16.2012 10:07
• Story ID: 96226
• Location: MEDITERRANEAN SEA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA