The 242nd birthday of our Navy on Oct. 13 honors the brave men and women who conduct a wide range of combat, training, humanitarian, rescue and other missions worldwide, protecting our interests, promoting our security, and helping to shape our nation’s history and culture.

Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer’s birthday message

To our Sailors, civilians, families and friends:

As we commemorate 242 years of the United States Navy stranding the watch, we can look back on our history as a source of pride and inspiration; we can also look forward towards the future with confidence as we shape the Navy of tomorrow.

The Navy of tomorrow, like the Navy of today, must be capable of continuous deterrence through sustained forward presence, all the while being ready to deliver combat-ready forces to win conflicts and wars around the clock and around the globe. In that spirit, this year’s birthday theme: “Sea Power to Protect and Promote” is fitting. We are resolute in our commitment to protect our Nation, win nits wars and protect our allies; and we are always forward deployed to promote our national interests and deter would-be enemies. In today’s environment, we must remain vigilant and focused on our mission, our Core Values and the concept of accountability at every level to guide us forward.

I challenge every one of you to join me in shaping a Navy of tomorrow that is worthy of the legacy we celebrate today. My wife Polly and I are forever grateful for all that you, your families, and your loved ones do for our nation. Happy birthday, shipmates. God bless you and God bless the United States Navy.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson’s birthday message

Team,

Today, we pause to reflect on our U.S. Navy’s 242 years of dedication and service. Tracing our origins back to the Continental Navy in 1775, the U.S. Navy has stood the watch in every corner of the globe, protecting America from attack and promoting our interests around the world.

The security environment today is fast-paced, complex, and increasingly competitive – the perfect conditions for our naval forces to succeed! The men and women of the U.S. Navy have our best days when we draw inspiration from the Sailors that have gone before. Our history is rich with heroes that fought at Coral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal 75 years ago. Today, we strive to operate and fight with the same integrity, accountability, initiative and toughness, as they demonstrated.

Dana and I are privileged to be a part of such an amazing team of Sailors, civilians and families. Thanks to each and every one of you for your commitment to our Navy and our nation.

Happy birthday, shipmates!

http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/10/12/happy-242nd-birthday-u-s-navy/ U.S. Navy