OCTOBER 13, 2025 – Multinational service members deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2025 celebrated the Navy’s 250th Birthday embarked on the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB-6) underway in the Western Pacific Ocean, Oct. 13, 2025.
Pacific Partnership 2025 is a six-month operation focused on four lines of effort: engineering, disaster management, medical, and host nation outreach events.
On October 13, 250 years ago, the Continental Congress authorized the establishment of the Continental Navy, marking the birth of what would become the United States Navy. But on this semiquincentennial, the U.S. Navy, the most powerful in the world, had humble beginnings—a single fishing boat.
In 1972, then-Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of Oct. 13 as the Navy’s birthday “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.” In 2025, the Navy celebrates 250 years of building partnerships, strengthening allies, and deterring adversaries.
This is especially true for the Sailors aboard the USS John L. Canley, who are embarked with personnel from five allied nations: Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Their mission includes Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, and Vanuatu. Additional elements conducted fly-in stops in Fiji, the Philippines, and Tonga. Their efforts are building and strengthening multinational ties as partners and allies prepare in calm to respond in crisis.
“As we celebrate the Navy’s 250th birthday, we reflect on two and a half centuries of defending freedom and protecting prosperity around the world,” said Capt. Mark Stefanik, mission commander for Pacific Partnership 2025, “I can’t think of a better place to celebrate this momentous milestone than at sea, doing what our Navy does best.”
The crew of the Canley enjoyed a special celebratory dinner and birthday cake. Traditionally, the oldest Sailor aboard cuts the cake with a ceremonial sword and passes the first piece to the youngest Sailor, representing the passage of knowledge and experience from one generation to the next. The use of a sword symbolizes the Sailors’ role as warriors and their commitment to maintaining peace through strength.
Seaman Recruit Kevianna Jones from Syracuse, New York, is the Canley’s youngest Sailor. “I’m excited to learn, grow, and share as part of the generation that will shape the Navy’s future,” said Seaman Recruit Jones.
Preparing a celebratory dinner while at sea is a major undertaking for the Canley’s galley crew, but they take pride in their work. “I’m proud to spend the Navy’s 250th Birthday out at sea, doing our job, and showing the world the power of our presence,” said Culinary Specialist, Petty Officer Third Class Justin Ashman of Queens, New York.
Several members of the crew volunteered to serve dinner. Lt. Cmdr. Roberta Orozco, U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, helped clean plates in the scullery. “Our Culinary Specialists have one of the most important jobs on this ship – keeping us all fed every single day. Their work has a powerful impact on the crew’s morale, and it’s an honor to lend them a hand during big events like this,” Lt. Cmdr. Orozco said.
This year, the Navy celebrates its 250th birthday with a series of commemorations, including leadership outreach events, multilateral exercises, and community engagements of varying scope and duration. These activities showcase the strength and importance of the Navy to national security and inspire a new generation of Americans to take up the call to serve their country.
For more information on the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday celebration visit: https://www.navy.com/celebrating-250-years.
Courtesy Story
Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific