Standing The Watch: Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy

In October 1775, the 13 American Colonies were in outright rebellion against the crown -- a rebellion that would change the course of world history. Throughout the Revolutionary War, the ROBIN
BERES
tiny Colonial Army was plagued by shortages of gunpowder. Desperate to obtain supplies of the coveted substance, the Continental Congress authorized the "procurement, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two armed vessels to cruise the waterways in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army." That brief mission statement was the birth certificate of the United States Navy.

After the war ended, faced with limited powers and even more limited funds, Congress sold the warships and released from duty those who had served on them. It wasn't until the Constitution was ratified in 1789 that Congress regained the authority to "provide and maintain a navy." Acting on that authority, and prompted by attacks on American merchant vessels from Barbary Coast pirates, Congress ordered the construction and manning of six heavy frigates in 1794.

One of the ships, the USS Constitution, proved herself so fierce and invincible that she earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" and the undying devotion of the American people. When plans to have her broken down were made known to the public in 1830, such a hue and cry was raised that those plans were immediately scrapped. The Constitution was given a permanent space on the Navy's roster of active duty ships. Today she remains the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat.

Yet, despite the swift handling of piracy and a stellar performance in the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy maintained a low-key presence until the 1880s, when Congress authorized a total updating of the fleet. President Theodore Roosevelt, a vigorous proponent of naval strength, wrote, "A good Navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace." In 1907, he dispatched the Great White Fleet on a global tour to display America's military might. Across the world, from Australia to Egypt, people were awed by the display of naval power. When crewmen rushed ashore in Sicily to assist in the aftermath of an earthquake, the world also learned of the goodwill of American sailors.

Today, with 332,000 active duty personnel, 283 active ships, and nearly 4,000 aircraft, the U.S. Navy is the largest in the world. The 11 aircraft carriers in the Navy's arsenal are an indispensable part of U.S. diplomacy. They are as likely to appear offshore to assist a troubled ally as to send a not-so-subtle warning to those who would cause trouble.

Throughout the years, love of country, adventure, and the sea have compelled many of America's finest citizens to join the Navy. John F. Kennedy once remarked, "Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: 'I served in the United States Navy.'"

The reasons for joining -- and staying -- Navy are as varied as the sailors who serve -- past, present, and future. Denis Gilchrist, commissioned an ensign in 1942, remembers first serving on a wooden-hulled minesweeper. At the age of 24, he received his first at-sea command. After the war, he remained in the Naval Reserves and eventually retired with the rank of captain.

Dave Vachet, a retired senior chief petty officer, originally enlisted for a four-year stint, planning to separate after that hitch. Twenty-one short years later he retired. To this day, both Gilchrist and Vachet continue to serve the Navy through their work with the Richmond chapter of the Navy League.

Personnel Specialist Second Class Rosa Sanchez of Santa Cruz, Calif., is stationed with Navy Recruiting District Richmond. With six years in and at least 14 to go, this dedicated sailor has every intention of staying Navy. Sanchez enjoys her work -- the travel -- and like all true sailors, she loves being at sea.

Joe Beres, a midshipman in his senior year with the Navy ROTC Unit at Marquette University, notes that although he has seen only a little more than two months of active service, the knowledge learned and the adventures experienced have been tremendous. In an e-mail, this handsome and bright young midshipman (OK, yes, he is my son) noted, "These people know and love their jobs and that is probably the main thing that I most look forward to in joining the Navy. Also, the thought of being sent to foreign ports and getting paid to do so is a prospect that I can hardly believe."

For nearly two-and-a-half centuries, whether on the sea, below the surface, in air or space, the men and women on deployed naval missions have bid farewell to friends and family for long months at a time. And often a ship has been headed home after a six-month deployment, only to receive orders to change course and head to yet another hot spot. Disappointment may run deep and salty language may fly, but every crewmember understands that duty to country always comes first.

For 234 years, the men and women of the U.S. Navy have understood that and faithfully they continue to stand the watch. In times of peace and when war and unrest are roiling the seas, they are standing fast. They deserve a heartfelt "thank you" and a "happy birthday" from every American.

Robin Beres is a retired Navy chief petty officer, and the Editorial Deparment office manager. Contact her at (804) 649-6305 or .