On October 13th, 239 years ago, the Continental Congress authorized the procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatching of two armed vessels to cruise the seas in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. Thus, on October 13, 1775, the Continental Navy was born.

From these humble beginnings arose the most powerful sea force the world has ever seen. The U. S. Navy has proved the words of George Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette on 15 November 1781 correct. Washington stated, “Without a decisive Naval force we can do nothing definitive – and with it, everything honorable and glorious.”

To my U.S. Navy friends and colleagues serving wherever they are required, on shore and at sea, I say: Happy Birthday. Bravo Zulu.