Sailors aboard Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) celebrated the Navy's 241st birthday Oct. 13.

The crew assembled in the mess deck where Ensign Enrique Montygierdgil, Shiloh's electrical officer, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, led a brief ceremony for the event.

During the celebration, Montygierdgil delivered a speech about the Navy's ongoing mission to defend the United States and her allies.

"No call for help will come too late, nor task be too far," said Montygierdgil. "And as we work into the late hours of the night and are separated from those we love, we fulfill our most cherished responsibility -- ensuring their safety with our vigilance."

Capt. Adam Aycock, commanding officer of Shiloh, also gave a speech during the event.

"I can think of no better place to celebrate our Navy's birthday and our rich heritage than here at sea with you all," said Aycock. "I would like to tell you all that it is both an honor and a privilege to be serving at sea with Americans of your caliber."

The celebration of the Navy's birthday is a time-honored tradition. Seaman Kolton Kelly, from Spring Hill, Florida, rang the ship's bell nine times to commemorate the occasion. Eight bells are used to signal the end of a watch, and the ninth one represents the beginning of the new Navy year.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gwendolyn White, of Opelousas, Louisiana, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Antwon Huff, of Atlanta, had the honor of cutting the Navy birthday cake as Shiloh's oldest and youngest Sailors.

The Navy's birthday is the singular day which acknowledges America's identity as a maritime nation, and the importance of the sea for security and commerce.

Shiloh is on patrol in waters off the coast of Japan in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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