Last modified Wed., October 15, 2008 - 04:04 PM
Originally created Thursday, October 16, 2008

Happy 233rd, Navy

NAVY BIRTHDAY: NAS Jacksonville celebrates Navy's 233rd

By MC1(SW/AW) Leah Stiles, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Southeast

Keynote speaker AT1(SS) Brian McCray, a recently returned individual augmentee (IA), gave the audience his personal perspective on the event's theme: "Navy Boots on the Ground." Photo by MC2(AW) Gary Granger

Sailors and civilians celebrated the 233rd anniversary of the Navy at the annual Navy Birthday Ball held at the Officers' Club Oct. 11. Service dress whites and formal evening attire created an elegant atmosphere where guests enjoyed fine cuisine and dancing in a jubilant evening that would be fondly remembered.

PR2(AW) Jonathan Clark of VP-30 shared his first Navy Ball with his fianc at his side. He said they were honored to be part of such a special evening.

The event's theme was "Navy Boots on the Ground - Individual Augmentee."

After dinner, guest speaker AT1(SS) Brian McCray, of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, took the podium and inspired guests by sharing his experiences from a recent individual augmentee (IA) deployment.

His story was extremely personal and inspiring. He said he was honored to be able to share it at the celebration.

Guests stand for the presentation of colors at the NAS Jax Navy Ball held Oct. 11 at the NAS Jax Officers' Club. Photo by MC2(AW) Gary Granger

"It was a story worth telling, and I knew that many in the audience would relate to it," said McCray.

His message stirred emotions from those who have already been deployed, or are going to be deployed on an IA assignment.

Following McCray's remarks, the traditional cutting of the Navy birthday cake by oldest and youngest Sailors in attendance took place.

On Oct.13, 1775, the Continental Congress voted to fit out two sailing vessels, armed with 10 carriage canon and swivel guns, manned by crews of 80. They were ordered to cruise for three months and intercept transports carrying munitions and stores to the British army in America. This was the original legislation out of which the Continental Navy grew and as such constitutes the birth certificate of the U.S. Navy. This is the event that is so important to our Navy and is truly what this anniversary is all about.