It is a rare pleasure to write a happy birthday message to the Navy family on the actual day of the Navy’s inception. Two hundred thirty-one years ago, the founders of our country had a vision of a maritime nation; the U.S. Navy was born from that vision. 

Let me take the opportunity to wish all of you—Sailor, Marine, family member, civilian employee—happy birthday.  This is your celebration; today is your day.  Your service makes possible what we do and the course we set. 

Every individual’s contribution, whether in uniform or not, is an indelible part of what makes our Navy the strong team it is today.  Your contributions make us successful. Your contributions, as much as the Department of the Navy flag under which we serve, bind us together as family.

I like family gathered together on birthdays; the Navy birthday is no exception. With that in mind, I want you to be thoughtful of what you do during your time at work and your time off. Please keep safety first in your mind. 

We’ve talked about this a great deal in this column recently, but there are too many incidents of shipmates who don’t return home or who get gravely injured or who make potentially deadly choices.  Whatever you do—whether grilling a steak, playing basketball, re-qualifying on weapons, or driving a car—please think about safety.  Think about coming home at the end of the day.  I want us all to be able to celebrate this Navy birthday together.

Together is a concept that is important and fundamental to the Navy family.  As we celebrate the Navy’s birthday during the Navy balls throughout the region, please broaden your view.  Invite your neighbors; invite junior Sailors. 

Perhaps most importantly, remember to include the families of those who are deployed, whether at sea or on assignment in Iraq, Afghanistan, or the Horn of Africa.  Their service today guarantees our liberties and freedoms as well as our opportunity to attend celebrations and enjoy the life we enjoy.

The Navy ball offers not only a chance to remember traditions and celebrate our maritime heritage; it also provides us the opportunity to come together as a Navy family in a very unique way.  It brings together the various parts of the Navy family and provides tangible proof of our unity.

That unity is what defines us as the greatest Navy in history.  The togetherness that you forge and maintain makes mission accomplishment possible and our nation’s existence a reality.  Stay safe, stay together, and accept my thanks for your service and my best wishes for a happy Navy birthday.