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Navy ball celebrates 233 years afloat

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  • By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica R. Vargas
  • Strategic Communications Wing ONE Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., --  The Navy's Strategic Communications Wing ONE at Tinker Air Force Base, the Oklahoma City Navy League, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma civic and business leaders came together to celebrate the Navy's 233rd birthday.

The Oklahoma Navy Birthday Ball, held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, is believed to be the largest ball in the United States with approximately 800 in attendance.

"As I look out into the audience, and I see the many faces of Sailors and other branches of the service represented here, as well as community leaders, family and friends, the only thing that comes to mind is, 'Oklahoma and the Navy really know how to put on a ball,'" said Capt. Brian T. Costello, SCW-1 commander. "We are traditionally the largest Navy Ball in the country. I think we can keep the trophy this year once again."

This guest speaker for the evening was Rear Adm. Douglas L. McClain, United States Strategic Command's director of Global Operations. Admiral McClain is a native of Oklahoma City. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1979 and was commissioned through the university's Naval Reserve Officer Training Program.

Admiral McClain took this time to thank service members and their families.

"I am so pleased to see the Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps here tonight. Thank you for your support and thank you Oklahoma for this great event. The greatest thing about Navy Sailors is the families that stand behind them," said Admiral McClain.

He also went on to discuss the Navy's role in today's world.

"Tonight we have 11,000 Sailors that are on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq and 46 percent of the Navy's fleet is currently deployed. There is nothing like a Navy Sailor; these men and women are the finest."

Some highlights of the evening included a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action ceremony, the recognition of TACAMO's Sailors of the Year, and a cake cutting ceremony. Keeping with tradition, the birthday cake was cut by the longest and shortest serving Sailors. Those Sailors were Lt. Cmdr. Robert R. Powell with 28 years of service and Storekeeper Seaman Tremain Pruitt with four months of service.

On Oct. 13, 1775, a continental Congress resolution established what would become the United States Navy, born from the Revolutionary War the Navy has served in times of peace and crisis.

"Tonight is both a culmination and continuation of 233 years of service, selfless dedication, and sacrifice. We remember those who have gone before us and while we remain humbled by their lives and service, we also can rejoice in the freedoms for which they fought and won," said Capt. Costello, in a Navy Birthday Ball message. "America remains the land of the free and the home of the brave and we continue to fight for that freedom. The U.S Navy stands ready, now and in the future."

In honor of the Navy's birthday the Gov. Brad Henry declared in a proclamation the month of October as United States Navy month in Oklahoma.