With Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert serving as reviewing officer, Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Chattanooga Sailors led the city's annual Armed Forces Day parade in recognition of the Navy Reserve Centennial, May 1.

Led by Sea Cadets displaying NOSC Chattanooga's Centennial banner, Chattanooga Sailors were the first in line behind the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band.

"I can't think of a better way to recognize the Reserve's Centennial year than leading the city's parade," said Lt. Cmdr. Timothy R. White, NOSC Chattanooga commanding officer (CO). "And it was even more special with the CNO as the reviewing officer and saluting him on the reviewing stand as we passed by."

This year's parade marked the 66th annual Chattanooga Armed Forces Day parade, the longest consecutive parade in the nation that honors the men and women who have fought and defended the country.

Each year Chattanooga highlights one service for that year's parade. The Navy, specifically the Navy Reserve, was the honored service this year.

"I couldn't have been prouder of the men and women of NOSC Chattanooga," said Cmdr. Patty Parks, USN, Ret., and former CO of NOSC Chattanooga. Parks, who retired to the Chattanooga area 12 years ago, serves on the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, the group that organizes the parade.

"To have the CNO here, and celebrate the Navy Reserve Centennial at the same time," reflected Parks, "was like 'having the stars align'. Honoring the Navy and the Navy Reserve, two organizations that indeed hold a special place in my heart, was so exceptional for me. I will never forget this day."

The Navy Reserve celebrated 100 years of service on March 3, 2015. The Navy Reserve contributed 84 percent of the Navy manpower during World War II. More than 52,000 Navy Reserve Sailors have been mobilized and deployed to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, including more than 8,000 who have completed a second combat tour.

Today, at least 20,000 Navy Reserve Sailors, or about one-third of the Navy's Reserve Component, is providing fully integrated global operational support to the fleet and combatant commanders. For information on the history and heritage of the Navy Reserve as well as current Sailors stories and upcoming Centennial events, please visit www.navyreservecentennial.com.

For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.navy.mil/.