Sailors assembled in the galley of U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan to celebrate the Navy's 241st birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony Oct. 13.

The ceremony began with a birthday greeting and opening remarks delivered by Capt. Timothy Weber, the hospital's commanding officer.

According to tradition, the birthday cake was ceremoniously cut by the eldest and youngest Sailors in attendance.

"To me the Navy's birthday is about celebrating our traditions and what we have had for 241 years," said Seaman Kevin Nelson, the youngest Sailor present at the ceremony. "It is important for us to get together and celebrate our heritage, and to recognize ourselves and see where we have grown as a Navy."

Nelson is assigned to the hospital's Neurology Department.

Representing the eldest crew member during the cake-cutting ceremony was Master Chief Petty Officer Gentry Lloyd, the senior enlisted advisor for the hospital's Directorate of Surgical Services.

In 1972, then Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized recognition of Oct. 13 as the Navy's birthday. The Navy's birthday is intended as an internal activity for members of the active forces and Reserves, as well as retirees and dependents. Since 1972, each CNO has encouraged a Navywide celebration of this occasion "to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service."

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan is the largest overseas military treatment facility in the Navy, serving a beneficiary population of 55,000 active-duty personnel, family members, civilian employees, contract personnel, and retirees.

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