A birthday can be a celebration of life. The life of an organization, like the Navy, and its importance and meaning, may be difficult to fully appreciate with its rich tradition and history.

Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) celebrated the Navy's 240th birthday and abounding heritage with a cake-cutting ceremony, Oct. 13, on the ship's aft mess deck.

During opening remarks, Command Master Chief Antonio D. Perryman thanked Truman Sailors for their continuous dedication.

"This crew has taken on every task and flourished at every opportunity," said Perryman. "I practice gratitude everyday, but today I am extremely grateful."

Perryman urged all of the Sailors to think about the reason why they joined.

"Always remember your journey," said Perryman. "It's always uplifting to think about where you've started to see how much you've grown."

The journey that Sailors undergo is reflective of what this country has made as a nation.

"I have been in the Navy for approximately 13 years," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician J. R. Saunders. "The meaning of the Navy's birthday has evolved from the first year I celebrated it to now."

Saunders said the importance of the Navy's birthday resonates with him because of the opportunities the Navy has provided him, like pursuing a master's degree in American history.

"We started out as the smallest Navy in the world and were able to defeat Great Britain, a big force in the world at that time," said Saunders. "When you look back to our historical achievements, like the War of 1812
and the Civil War, it clearly reflects change, diversity, triumph and determination."

The Navy's exceptional history of defeating the odds can be a motivating factor for junior Sailors planning to better themselves through their military service.

Ship's Serviceman Seaman Apprentice R. F. Williams, the youngest Sailor aboard Truman at 18 years old, received the honor of cutting the birthday cake during the
celebration.

"I have been on the ship for only 12 days and I have already met and conversed with the ship's commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief," said Williams. "Getting recognition so early on was great. It was an honor to celebrate the Navy's birthday on a forward deploying aircraft carrier."

Recognition and mentorship provided by senior leaders is an essential part of passing down the Navy's history to the next generation of Sailors.

"Each and every Sailor is important, even if they are new to the Navy," said Saunders. "Every day is an opportunity to pass down knowledge of Navy customs and heritage to junior Sailors. To know our heritage is to
know our mission."

Knowledge is power and with that, Sailors can walk away from a Navy birthday celebration with a new viewpoint and focus for their future.

"I am planning to make a career out of the Navy," said Williams. "I want to be a medical officer so I look forward to celebrating the culture of my career in later years. This celebration marks the beginning of my
journey as a Sailor."

Saunders said that it is the responsibility of senior enlisted to educate junior Sailors in the customs and courtesies of the Navy, similar to the way elder members of a family pass down their cultures and customs.

"We train our relief to know our history because every custom we currently practice is part of a greater picture and has historical value," said Saunders. "We are our own kind of family and it's important that we celebrate the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that we've all made in service to our country."

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.