227 year of service - Any Day in the Navy

All Hands, Oct, 2002 by Terry D. Scott

As We Celebrate our Navy's 227th birthday this month, I'm drawn to the question of what has ensured our success as a Navy through more than two centuries. I believe the essential ingredient in our success, is undoubtedly you--the American Sailor.

Sailors who served in our Navy 227 years ago were different in many ways from the Sailors in the outstanding photographs you'll se in the following pages. But, the common thread throughout the years remains their dedication to their Navy, and their love of liberty, freedom and their country.

Today, we are the finest Navy in the world's history, and in large part it is due to you and your Honor, Courage and Commitment. We go in harm's way whenever our nation calls us, and we do it better than anyone else. Be proud of who you are and what you stand for. I salute you all and consider it a privilege to serve as your representative.

Happy Birthday Navy, and God bless all of you.

A Navy Hospital Corpsman carries a downed military member to safety at Pier Papa in Charleston, S.C. Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Coast Guard personnel from Virginia to Florida joined forces with state and local law enforcement agencies to hold one of Charleston Harbor's largest anti-terrorism exercises.

SN Brandie Allen stands one of the lookout watches on the signal bridge of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during flight operations.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 Seabees lay asphalt in a BEQ parking lot at Naval Station, Rota, Spain.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails through the Gulf of Alaska as part of the state's largest annual joint training exercise, Northern Edge 2002.

Sailors from Commander 6th Fleet staff are guided through the Roman ruins of Solina during an MWR sponsored tour.

DKSR Suresh Suhraj and BM3(SW) Howard Scales stand on the starboard catwalk of USS La Salle (AGF 3) as the newest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) prepares to pass by. The ships were underway in the Adriatic Sea.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels' Delta formation soars past their C-130 transport "Fat Albert" during a Memorial Day Flight demonstration at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Dayton splices wiring during the set up for Combined Endeavor 20002, at Lager Aulenbach, Germany. The communications and information systems exercise was sponsored by U.S. European Command and hosted by Germany in the spirit of "Partnership for Peace" to test and document multinational interoperability.

QM2(DV) Michael Davis, assigned to Mobile Diving & Salvage Unit 1, Det. 1, San Diego, comes to the surface after a surface supply dive where he performed pier repair operations in Valdez, Alaska, during Northern Edge 2002.

HT3 Scott Brown stands watch in Damage Control Central, making constant corrections to the ship's port and starboard list controls. With aircraft landing on the flight deck, USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) has to be as level as possible for aircraft to land safely.

In Apra Harbor, Guam, USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716) pulls alongside USS Frank Cable (AS 40). Frank Cable is one of two forward-deployed repair ships that provide vital services for deployed submarines.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry Scott returns a salute during the traditional pass in review ceremony at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., where he served as the reviewing officer.

Navy SEALs prepare to put Desert Patrol Vehicles through their paces on a training range. Navy SEALs are forward deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Naples American High School student Laura Keating, a Navy family member, sends the ball down the field during a soccer game against Marymount International held at Carney Park, Naples, Italy.

Country-Western band "Lonestar" performs during the taping of a CBS television special, "Rockin' for the USA - A National Salute to the U.S. Military." USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and six other U.S. Navy ships were visiting Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., for the 2002 Fleet Week-Air and Sea Show.

On board USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), DTSN(SW) Kadia McKenzie assists LCDR (Dr.) Robert White with a routine filling.

Crew members jump 32 feet off an aircraft elevator during a swim call on board USS Wasp (LHD 1). Wasp spent nearly two months at sea without a liberty port visit, and swim call was a welcome break for the 3,000 Sailors and Marines on board.

AO3 Kenneth Payne moves three 1,000-pound MK-83 bombs on the hangar deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

An F-14 Tomcat, attached to Fighter Squadron (VF) 154, lands at Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan.

At sea aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), AOC Darren Galbiso stages ammunition on the ship's flight deck. Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), chaplain (LT) Chris Merris gives thanks as he breaks bread during a Roman Catholic Mass in the carrier's chapel.

Before getting into the water at Maura Port, Brunei, Warrant Officer 2 Superapto Suaji, chief diver in the Royal Brunei Navy, waits while a U.S. Navy diver from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, Det 5, checks for a proper seal. The Royal Brunei and U.S. Navy divers are part of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise. Now in its eighth year, CARAT aims to increase interoperability and enhance regional cooperation.