With sequestration and the continuing resolution affecting the budget, the Navy is enduring some rough financial seas. Regardless of the decisions that Navy leadership have made, programs like Tuition Assistance, Sailor's pay, and Permanent Change of Station moves have remained unaffected.

The Navy's budget submission is important to Sailors because it affects the Navy that Sailors are serving in today and tomorrow.

The Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos spoke to the House Armed Services Committee April 16 about the financial future of the Navy and Marine Corps.

"We are working to make sure that our Sailors and Marines have the tools and the platforms they need to do the missions they are given," said Mabus. "One of the most important of these is our fleet. Mr. Chairman, the budget we are submitting supports the defense strategy, preserves the readiness of our people, and it builds on the success we've achieved in shipbuilding."

Even during the challenging budget environment of the past few months, the Navy remained committed to its Sailors as the only service not to suspend Tuition Assistance.

"Our people have remained resilient in the face of this uncertainty," said Greenert, "And frankly Mr. Chairman, I've been amazed at our Sailors and civilians in their patience and their dedication throughout all of this."

Navy leaders also continue to work with Department of Defense (DoD) leaders to get the number of civilian furlough days as low as possible.

"If we can do better, we will do better," said Mabus, "And I know that everyone at DoD, and particularly the three here testifying today, recognize the critical importance of our civilian employees."

Congressional leaders will continue to hold additional hearings on the 2014 budget in an effort to send an approved budget to President Obama before the fiscal new year of Oct. 1.