When John Holland sold the submersible Holland VI to the U.S. Navy, April 11, 1900, the submarine force was born, even though the 64-ton submarine wasn't commissioned as USS Holland (SS-1) until October 1900.

Since that historic April day, submariners worldwide have celebrated their anniversary.

On April 16, Hampton Roads submariners continued that gallant tradition when more than 950 veterans, retirees and active duty celebrated the force's 116th birthday.

"Tonight, we celebrate our submarine force birthday and our proud history, but the focal point of our celebration is our remarkable Sailors," said Force Master Chief Stephen Capps, master of ceremonies and force master chief, Commander, Submarine Forces. "We are an evolving and highly technical fighting force but our true asymmetric advantage and the ingredient that makes us who we are is our people. The best and brightest our country has to offer still find their way to our family. The skills, capabilities, the tenacity, and the integrity of our sailors continue to drive us forward."

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, the evening's guest speaker, echoed Capps' comments.

"Another thing that strikes me about your submarine community is that although you are small in numbers, you punch way above your weight," said McAuliffe. "During World War II, commemorated in the tolling of the boats ceremony we just witnessed, the submarine force made up less than 2 percent of the Navy, yet it sank more than 55 percent of enemy ships. This same high leverage is also evident in the force of today, as submariners make up less than 6 percent of the Navy, yet they operate 25 percent of the warships, including more than 50 percent of the nation's strategic deterrent. I want to thank you on behalf of the United States of America and every citizen in the Commonwealth of Virginia for what you do to keep our nation safe."

The small numbers with tremendous responsibility is not lost on those whom serve within the silent service.

"The submarine force is a unique thing in the Navy and the military at-large so it's important to recognize that," said nuclear-trained and submarine-qualified Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael A. Kennelly, assigned to USS John Warner (SSN 785).

The evening's festivities included dinner, tolling of the boats, a ceremonial cake cutting by the youngest and oldest qualified submariner, judging of table centerpieces built by the ships and squadrons, dancing, warfare pinning and an impromptu reenlistment by USS Montpelier's (SSN 765) Chief of the Boat Master Chief Culinary Specialist Kevin Gibbs.

Relying on its technological superiority, speed, endurance, mobility, stealth and payload afforded by nuclear power to retain its pre-eminence in the undersea battlespace, the submarine force is home to thousands of highly capable Sailors and DoD personnel.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/.