Happy 249th Birthday, United States Navy and a shoutout to Navy veterans of BVA! Although the more majestic milestone of 250 (Semi-Quin Centennial, half of 500) arrives one year from now, the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command is not about to let the 249th pass by unnoticed! With the theme “Warfighting Strength and Readiness, this year’s commemoration will highlight, with a celebratory and commemorative tone, the Navy’s focus through a warfighting lens to deliver decisive combat power.

An October 13, 1775, resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the United States Navy with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with 80 men, be fitted, with all possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months….” Following the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798.

In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of October 13 as the birthday of the U.S. Navy. Since then, each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of the nation’s Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the Naval service.”

The objective of this year’s commemorative events as outlined by the Naval History and Heritage Command is to inspire esprit de corps among all Naval personnel by showcasing readiness, capabilities, capacity, and the Sailor, all while celebrating victories of the service and honoring shipmates who stand and have stood the watch.

Take in a detailed description of this year’s Navy birthday celebration worldwide, including digital resources, a communications plan, and hands-on toolkit items.