Every year on Oct. 13, the Navy recognizes and celebrates the storied history of the U.S. Navy and its Sailors, from its creation during the Revolutionary War through the current operations around the globe and all of the achievements in between.

This year's birthday theme is "America's Sailor: For 241 Years -- Tough, Bold, and Ready," and is a theme that couldn't better represent the crew of aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

In 2014, GHWB completed a 9-month deployment. She was the first carrier to begin airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Last July, she completed a 13-month planned incremental availability period in the shipyards, and now she is currently finishing up her training cycle in preparation for her next deployment.

"As we commemorate the Navy's 241st birthday we are reminded of the hard work put forth by all of the Sailors that have gone before us," said Master Chief Petty Officer Huben L. Phillips, GHWB's command master chief. "We also celebrate those currently serving, those who have taken the oath to defend our great nation. Our crew certainly exemplifies the true meaning of this year's theme."

Since its inception, the Navy's continued success overcoming extraordinary odds is due in large part to the Sailors who serve in it.

Every Sailor who has shown the determination to persist through all adversity, the ingenuity to solve any problem, and the readiness to face any threat that comes their way has allowed the Navy to evolve from its meager beginning into the most dominant sea power the world has ever known.

Today and every day the crew of CVN 77 continues to be tough, bold, and ready.

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

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit http://www.navy.mil/.