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October 27th, 2023
It goes without saying the U.S. Navy is a point of pride for all Americans.
It stands as the largest, most powerful navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. It’s said the service engages over 340,000 personnel on active duty and more than 71,000 in the Navy Reserve.
And today, Oct. 27, is Navy Day, which celebrates all the military personnel who have served, both past and present, in the United States Navy.
What’s interesting is why the date was chosen.
The answer: To honor President Theodore Roosevelt’s birth.
He was the one that elevated the U.S. Navy into a premier fighting force. During his term as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, it’s said he built up the power and strength of the U.S. Navy. Roosevelt’s pursuit of the naval aircraft advanced the service branch.
As president, Roosevelt was the first president to submerge in a submarine and the first to fly. His support of the Navy led former Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman to say Roosevelt “was one of the architects of our modern Navy.”
Today, the United States maintains 40 naval bases across the country, including the world’s largest in Norfolk, Va.
Joint naval and airbases such as Pearl Harbor-Hickam provide necessary fleets of the sea and air defense.
So, take a moment today to salute our fine Navy!
