OCTOBER 11, 2024 – NMRLC celebrated the United States Navy’s 249th birthday in a ceremony that featured a Master of Ceremonies, the traditional cake cutting and an awesome video production that featured the Navy’s incredible fleet and fleet personnel, in addition to the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Oct. 10.
YN1 Brittany Sloan, NMRLC Detachment Portsmouth, greeted all comers as the master of ceremonies and described the theme of this year’s Navy birthday as, “Warfighting Strength and Readiness,” which directly aligns with CNO’s priorities of having a superior maritime force, able to be inserted into any warfighting situation at a moment’s notice.
Command Master Chief Brandon Lindbeck was invited to the podium to read SecNav’s letter and LSSN Carlinton Smith had the honor of reading the CNO’s birthday letter to the fleet.
After watching a widely distributed all-Navy video, the traditional cake cutting portion of the ceremony had one the command’s eldest and youngest enlisted members approach the center stage. The commanding officer was presented with the first slice, as is customary. Then, the two Sailors dug in as part of the ceremony.
In his closing remarks, Capt. Barnes, NMRLC commanding officer, shared his conviction with command personnel when he expressed that, “You are the warfighters. It’s you who ensures material that leaves here is correct, properly packed, stowed and shipped. It’s your shipmates and one day, it may be you, who receive this materiel. You make sure that it’s right each and every time.”
He thanked everyone for their consistent efforts in delivering ‘right on time’ Expeditionary Medical System (EXMEDS).
YN1 Sloan closed out the ceremony when she stated, “The U.S. Navy is always ready to defend our shores, maintain sea control, and protect our national security and economic interest,” she said.
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established the Continental Navy British sea control and supply ships to the British Army in America. The Navy celebrates its birthday to honor the service, sacrifice, and devotion of its Sailors.
Happy Birthday, United States Navy. We are looking forward to next year’s 250th birthday.
Story by Julius Evans
Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command, Williamsburg, VA