Navy Birthday

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michelle Howard along with two of the oldest prior service military members and the most junior Sailors in attendance at the 2014 Navy Ball cuts the Navy Birthday cake during the ceremony held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. This year’s event spotlighted the service of those who serve the military and gave Sailors a chance to thank local community leaders for the support they receive on a daily basis. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Chris Delano)

OKC Sailors celebrate the Navy’s 239th birthday

Published Oct. 23, 2014
By Jerry Helton
Strategic Communications Wing ONE

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE - Okla. -- On Oct. 18, the Oklahoma City area Navy celebrated its 239th birthday at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. This annual event is traditionally one of the largest Navy birthday celebrations held in the country. The guest of honor and keynote speaker for this year's ball was the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Michelle Howard, who is the first female four-star in the U.S. Navy.

Admiral Howard's remarks highlighted Oklahomans role in the Navy, here in Oklahoma City and around the globe. In keeping with this year's Navy Birthday Ball theme,
"Thanking Those Who Serve Us," she also spoke of how the Navy needs all of our "shipmates," whether on active duty, in the reserves, Navy civilians, family members of service members and civilians, and the local community.

The Navy Ball provides an opportunity to "stop all engines, lay about smartly, and drop anchor" and remember "those who have gone before us to defend freedom and democracy around the world." It is also a place for Sailors to showcase, honor and remember their naval traditions and history and pass that legacy on to the next generations of sea warriors. This year, local Navy commands received specific direction from the Chief of Naval Operations to use the 239th birthday as a conduit to tell the Navy's story, strengthen the Navy's connection with the American public and cultivate an appreciation for the Navy's role in the nation's history and culture.

To achieve the CNO's strategic objectives, local Navy commands partnered with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and the Oklahoma City Chapter of the U.S. Navy League to host events throughout September and October, culminating in the Navy Birthday Ball. This partnership involved the ninth annual OKC Navy Days, the OKC Jazz Fest, the annual TACAMO CPOA Navy Birthday 5K at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City, OKC Navy Days Golf Tournament held at Gaillardia Country Club, and the LN1 Kimberly Kay Clark Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament played at the John Conrad Golf Course in Midwest City.