10/13/2011 – WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Navy on its 236th birthday Oct. 13.
Secretary Donley wrote a letter to the secretary of the Navy stating:
“Congratulations as you celebrate the 236th birthday of the United States Navy. The men and women of the United States Navy embody a tradition of honor and selfless service dating back to the establishment of the Continental Navy in 1775. Today, they continue to uphold these most hallowed Navy traditions by serving proudly around the globe.
“The 690,000 members of the United States Air Force – Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, and Civilians – are proud to serve alongside you and your Sailors as part of the Joint Team that provides America with unequaled military capability. America’s Airmen salute you and wish you the best on the Navy’s 236th birthday.”
General Schwartz wrote a letter to the chief of naval operations stating:
“Congratulations to you and the men and women of the United States Navy as you celebrate 236 years of dedicated service to a grateful Nation. Since before the Declaration of Independence was signed, our Navy has served with honor, courage, and commitment.
“The Airmen of the United States Air Force proudly serve alongside you and your fellow Sailors, today and every day. We wish you continued success in the coming year, during which America will begin commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 – one of the many periods in our proud history during which the United States Navy proved its warfighting mettle against a determined adversary.”
Chief Roy wrote a letter to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy stating:
“Happy Birthday to you and all of our Sailors as you celebrate the Navy’s 236 years of unwavering service to our grateful nation.
“Since 1775, our Sailors have represented the fighting spirit of the Navy around the world and are proud to serve with honor, courage and commitment. In a world of violent extremism, scarce resources and rapidly advancing technologies, America’s Sailors remain highly motivated, dedicated and ready to answer our nation’s call at a moment’s notice.
“On behalf of Airmen everywhere, I wish you all the best as you celebrate and we look forward to serving alongside you for many years to follow.”