Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Blake Esse honored the U.S. Navy Reserve centennial by singing the national anthem before 4,500 country music fans in Fredericksburg, Aug. 21.

Esse, assigned to Navy Reserve Commander Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Readiness Detachment C (NR CNSL DET C), received a resounding ovation for his rendition. His performance kicked off a concert by country music artists Parmalee and Chris Young at Celebrate Virginia Live.

"It's always been a dream to represent the Navy and sing the Star-Spangled Banner before a large crowd," Esse said. "It was an amazing honor."

Esse, a native of Culpeper, Virginia, is accustomed to singing before audiences. The singer-songwriter has been an aspiring musician for years and has opened shows for several country acts, including Alabama and Dierks Bently recently.

"We're proud of him," said Chief Fire Control Technician Michael Gammill, senior enlisted advisor, NR CNSL DET C. "As he sang, the crowd was dead silent. He moved them. As soon as he finished, I've never heard a crowd cheer so loudly. Fans connected with his voice, his emotion, his American pride."

When Richmond-based radio station WGRX arranged for Esse's performance, he asked WGRX officials if they would recognize the 100th anniversary of the Navy Reserve at the event, which Esse said they eagerly supported.

Esse said he believed the support of the Navy Reserve helped stir up patriotic pride with fans.

"During the performance, I could see tears," said Esse. "That's what you want to see as a singer. It was my hope to sing in such a way to make them proud of their country and the service of Navy Reservists," he added.

Esse said his pride in service came from his father and grandfather, both Navy veterans.

"Although I hope someday to have a successful career in music, whether I make it or not, I always want to remain in the Navy," he said.

Established on March 3, 1915, the Federal Naval Reserve originally only allowed Navy veterans to enroll into the program. However, on Aug. 29, 1916, with the prospect of America's entry into World War I looming, the Navy Reserve reorganized to allow the enrollment of non-veterans and designated as the U.S. Naval Reserve Force.

To learn more about the Navy Reserve and the Navy Reserve centennial, visit www.navyreserve.navy.mil.

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