Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Sailors and embarked Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) celebrated the Navy's 241st birthday with a ceremony and cake cutting on the mess decks, Oct. 12.

This year's birthday celebrates "America's Sailor -- For 241 Years: Tough, Bold, and Ready." Capt. Jeffrey Ward, commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard and the event's keynote speaker, highlighted Sailors throughout the Navy's history who answered their nation's call during his remarks.

"For the Sailors who came before us, like Cook 3rd Class Doris Miller, who during the attack on Pearl Harbor picked up a .50 caliber [machine gun] and returned fire to the Japanese, the Sailors aboard USS Cole (DDG 67) who fought to keep the ship afloat, and Captain John Paul Jones who led Sailors and Marines against HMS Serapis, and many more throughout our history and what they accomplished, you can tie that to our Sailors today," said Ward. "When a Sailor is aboard a ship or out to sea, they need to be ready to do their job, fight fires, combat flooding or pick up a gun and protect their shipmates, no matter what their daily job is."

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Martinez said she felt honored to read the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson's birthday message.

"When I found out there was an opportunity to read the CNO's birthday message, I thought it was great and jumped at it immediately," said Martinez. "I love the Navy. I am ready for anything because of what the Navy has taught me."

The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting with the oldest officer, youngest enlisted Sailor and the commanding officer.

"I had no idea I was the youngest Sailor," said Seaman Kelly Wood. "It was a wonderful surprise. I will remember this night forever."

Wood has been enlisted for only one year, but believes the Navy has given her the tools to be bold, tough, and ready.

"I joined on the Navy's birthday last year," said Wood. "I joined because I wanted to travel, I wanted to do something important, and have a great solid and steady future. In the one year I've been in the Navy, I've learned that the least likely person you would imagine can potentially make the greatest impact. It motivates me to do my best."

Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The Bonhomme Richard ESG consists of Bonhomme Richard, amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42).

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