MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt officially recognized Oct. 13, 1775, as the birth date of the Navy in 1972.
The US Navy celebrated its 235th Birthday at Duncan Hall on Wednesday with approximately 50 guests.
The birthday cake was decorated with the Navy’s traditional colors, blue and gold with the Navy emblem in the center and the words “Celebrating 235 years of Service” surrounding it.
The Chief of Naval Operations’ annual Navy birthday message was read aloud to the crew by Chief Petty Officer Patrick Mondragon, command CPO for religious ministries and dental detachment MCRD. After the message was read, the cake was cut by Navy Capt. Mike Dory and Seaman Apprentice Jeffery Mounts the most senior and junior Sailor present at the ceremony.
“I was honored to be a part of Navy tradition,” said Mounts, hospital corpsman with the Branch Medical Clinic, 20. “Ceremonies like this are important because they keep traditions going and you get a glimpse of the history we tend to forget.”
As the youngest sailor, Mounts, was presented with the first piece of cake by Dory and took the traditional first bite of the cake.
“Traditions are key to us preserving our heritage,” said Mondragon. “Some of our proudest moments are for us to celebrate our history.”
The tradition of the youngest and oldest sailor cutting the cake is used to bring the sailors together and show they are all part of the same team.
“The ceremony honors our tradition, our past and celebrates our future,” said Dory assistant chief of staff for religious ministries.
After the ceremony a special lunch was served to all military members, civilians, guests and dependents who were present.
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established the Continental Navy. They authorized the procurement, fitting out, manning and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in the United States.
In 1794, five years after the ratification of the Constitution of the United States, Congress ordered the construction and manning of six frigates: USS Constitution, USS President, USS United States, USS Congress, USS Chesapeake, and USS Constellation. USS Constitution launched into the Boston Harbor on October 21, 1797. It is still a commissioned U.S. Navy vessel and is the last remaining frigate of the original six.
“We as Navy are very grateful that we are able to celebrate our birthday here at MCRD,” said Mondragon. “I would like to thank all the Marines who helped put this together. Most sailors say the best tours they’ve had are with the Marines.”