Blessing of the Fleet Honors Navy Women

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The United States Navy Memorial held its annual spring Blessing of the Fleets ceremony April 13, providing District of Columbia citizens and tourists the opportunity to witness Naval heritage as demonstrated by the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard.

The Blessing of the Fleets ceremony is a centuries-old ceremony rooted in seafaring heritage around the world.

This year's event was dedicated to the "Year of Military Women" and Vice Adm. Robin R. Braun, the Chief of Navy Reserve and keynote speaker for the event, recognized women who dedicated their life to serving in the Military.

"Today what's remarkable about military service is that it's no longer remarkable that women are serving," said Braun. "In today's Navy, women are serving across the fleet in ships, submarines, and squadrons...from junior enlisted deck hands to Commanding Officers."

Braun delivered remarks on women's contributions to the Navy, from the Navy nurses in 1908, women enlisting as Yeoman in 1917, the repeal of the combat exclusion law in 1993, to the first submarine to deploy with women on board in 2010.

"Seeing an article on the first female Naval aviators changed my life and inspired me to join the Navy and call this a career," said Braun.

After Braun's remarks the blessing began with Sailors from the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard "charging the fountains" with waters from the Seven Seas and the Great Lakes. The ceremony focuses on safeguarding crews and ships from the dangers of the seas by a blessing from the water's edge, or the Memorial's "Granite Sea" as the plaza is called.

"Being in harm's way is part of the business; it's the job description when you're at sea," said Braun.

Once the Ceremonial Guard finished charging the fountains and retiring the colors, the Washington Revels Maritime Voices sang the Navy Hymn accompanied by the United States Navy Band.

"It's a wonderful blessing for me to be here and see some of the old World War II veterans and everyone who is in the Navy," said Disbursing Clerk 1st Class (Ret.) Robert M. Pugh, a World War II veteran and Navy Memorial plank owner.

Guests were invited to grab a bowl of Navy bean soup served by the Presidential Food Service Culinary Specialists and enjoy the unveiling of the Memorial's Year of Military Women exhibit.

The exhibit displays collections of historical and modern photographs, original artwork and other artifacts including a uniform belonging to Capt. Mildred McAfee. McAfee was the first director of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), serving honorably in World War II commanding 82,000 women.

For more information on the exhibit and the Blessing of the Fleets, visit the Memorial's website at www.navymemorial.org.