Deputy Chief of Chaplains Participates in 98th Anniversary of Navy Reserve

WASHINGTON (NNS) (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Gregory C. Horn, deputy chief of Chaplains for Reserve Matters, took part in a ceremony celebrating the 98th anniversary of the Navy Reserve at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 1.

Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd, chief of Navy Chaplains, was among more than one hundred Sailors, numerous flag officers and distinguished guests in attendance.

During his invocation, Horn remembered the "men and women of the Navy Reserve who have sought beyond [themselves] to serve our country's pledge of freedom; those who leave their little worlds and span the seas far away to give to others, who live in fear, a very present promise of peace."

Vice Adm. Robin Braun, chief of Navy Reserve and commander Navy Reserve Force, honored 10 reserve chief petty officers who "reflect the spirit and drive of our force. By their actions, they have excelled and have motivated others to excel.

She reflected on the Navy Reserve as a "determined and responsive force known for flexibility and innovation."

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike D. Stevens was the ceremony's guest speaker. During his remarks, MCPON recalled his time as a Navy Reservist and how those experiences helped prepare him as he progressed through his career to his current role.

He also recognized the flexibility and fortitude of the Navy Reserve, coupled with their vast capacity and commitment to the total force.

The Navy Reserve was established March 3, 1915 by the Naval Appropriations Act, in support of World War I.

Since 9/11, more than 65,000 Reserve Sailors have been mobilized. During that time, reserve chaplains have answered the call to serve and mobilized 277 times. Twelve chaplains have voluntarily mobilized 3 times, while 55 chaplains have mobilized twice, in support of worldwide contingency operations, according to Capt. William Wildhack, Force Chaplain for the Navy Reserve force.

Over the past 98 years, chaplains from the Navy Reserve have played a critical role as force multipliers in times of great need, ensuring the spiritual readiness and resiliency of the force, said Horn.

He added, "While we are truly one Chaplain Corps, both active and reserve, we could not do what we do without them and the unique competencies they bring with them from their civilian employment."

The Navy Chaplain Corps currently has 214 chaplains in the Navy Reserve who embody the Navy Reserve motto: "Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere."

For more information on the Chaplain Corps visit: www.chaplain.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/chiefofnavychaplains.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.