Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander of Navy Reserve Force Vice Adm. Robin Braun visited Coastal Riverine Squadron 8 (CRS-8), Bravo Company Sailors at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, to highlight the history of the Navy Reserve during its centennial year and to discuss the way ahead.

The Navy Reserve was officially established following the outbreak of World War I, and since then, Navy Reservists have provided critical skills and war fighting experience to the fleet for 100 years.

Today's Navy Reserve has grown to more than 109,000 Sailors maintaining their commitment in the Selected Reserve, Full Time Support and Individual Ready Reserve.

"We are winding up this 100th year," said Braun. "On March 3, 1915, the Navy Reserve was established and this year we have taken the celebration all over the world."

Braun explained, "Not everyone could have their centennial celebration in March so we said let's make this a year-long celebration."

After presenting several inspiring videos including a message of gratitude for the sacrifices of Navy Reserve sailors from the president, Vice Adm. Braun underscored new missions Navy Reserve Sailors can expect over the next few years. As changes to operations and business practices, these missions include: streamlining readiness processes for sailors so they can complete annual requirements in less time, migrating civilian skills into searchable military databases and a pilot program for a mobile device application where Sailors can access regularly used websites more easily.

"Some of the things you will see coming down the road for reserve service and any service in the Navy will be very positive," said Braun. "They call it force of the future and talent management and it's all about offering opportunity for Sailors to be able to serve, while using their civilian skills to better support the Navy."

During the ceremony, Braun also conducted a reenlistment for Engineman 2nd Class William Ogden. According to Ogden, it was an experience he will remember for the rest of his career.

"I was a little surprised," said Ogden. "I was supposed to get reenlisted by my commanding officer but I guess it was an Admiral, now. It felt pretty good, and it was something different so it was an honor. Who gets reenlisted by an Admiral, not many people."

Following Braun's outline of the future for the Navy Reserve, she opened the floor for questions and discussed the future of CRS-8 and the importance of leadership at all levels in the military.

For more information on the U.S. Navy Reserve Centennial visit navyreservecentennial.com/.