CENSECFOR Celebrates the Navy's 237th Birthday

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) honored and celebrated the U.S. Navy's 237th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony and fall picnic Oct. 12.

Staff and their families enjoyed a festive time of celebration in honor of the Navy's longstanding history, its rich heritage, and proud traditions. The cake-cutting ceremony began with the striking of eight bells signifying the end of the watch and representing the end of the current birthday year.

CENSECFOR Commanding Officer, Capt. James Boorujy said, "Ships really have a great heritage and it's kind of neat to look back and know that we're all a part of it." Boorujy went on to say that whether serving on active duty, as a federal employee, or as a contractor that all are part of the Navy's history.

In 1775, the Continental Congress passed legislation to outfit two sailing ships with guns and eighty man crews whose mission was to deploy and intercept ships transporting supplies to the British army. Thus, the United States Navy was born and for the past 237 years, it has proudly defended freedom around the world with steadfast honor, courage, and commitment.

Tradition has it that the oldest and youngest military members of the crew perform the honorary duty of cutting the birthday cake. The title of oldest went to Boorujy and the youngest went to Chief Gunner's Mate William Durbin.

Boorujy also extended the honor of cutting the cake to the oldest and youngest civilian employees. The title of oldest civilian employee went to retired Master Chief Master-at-Arms Jose Bautista while the youngest went to Heather Scourfield.

At the order of "execute," each of the four participants guided the saber through the cake and Boorujy was given the first slice of which he then passed to Durbin signifying the passing of tradition from one generation to the next.

Chief Master-at-Arms Tarleter Reed, struck one bell signifying not only the conclusion of the ceremony, but also the start of a new watch and the Navy's continued success.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 22,000 students each year and has 14 training locations throughout the U.S. and around the world.

For more information about Center for Security Forces, visit www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf/ or www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ#.>
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