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 world-wide have celebrated their anniversary.

On April 11, Hampton Roads submariners continued that gallant tradition when more than 800 veterans, retirees and active duty service members celebrated the force's 115th birthday at the Founder's Inn. This year's event, 'Saluting Our Remarkable Sailors' was coordinated and hosted by Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.

"Tonight, we celebrate our submarine force's birthday and our proud history," said Force Master Chief Wesley Koshoffer, master of ceremonies and force master chief, Commander, Submarine Forces.

Koshoffer emphasized the 'remarkable Sailors' being the focal point of the celebration. "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... somehow the best and brightest our country has to offer still find their way to our family."

Former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Rick D. West, and guest speaker, echoed Koshoffer's comments.

"It's a good time to be a submariner. The submarine force enjoys tremendous credibility with our nation's leadership - a credibility you earn every day and through that credibility we will meet our objectives and challenges... through our remarkable Sailors," said West.

"We serve in the greatest Navy and submarine force the world has ever known, performing missions that are not just important, but also critical to the security of our nation and freedom around the world. You're not only getting it done under the sea, on the ground, you continue to produce."

"As MCPON, I traveled the globe seeing Sailors from all walks of life form a team whether underway, on the sands of Iraq or the isolated hills of Afghanistan...you executed the mission at hand and excelled in doing so."

"If the tone of the force is any reflection of what I feel and see here tonight... we're in pretty good shape," said West during his remarks.

Over the years, a total of 63 U.S. submarines have been lost in war and peace, and some 4,000 young men have lost their lives serving on those submarines. Even though the USS Holland was commissioned in October 1900, the submarine force can track its history to as early as Sept. 5, 1776, when the submarine Turtle conducted an attack on HMS Eagle in New York harbor. Submariners relish their storied history and steep tradition, but on the 115th celebration and in lieu of the traditional tolling of the boats, a video was played which depicted the history of the submarine force.

Sonar Technician (Submarine) 3rd Class (SS) Steven Cook, from the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738), was one of many who was inspired by the video.

"It was great to help pay tribute to this long tradition that submariners have," said Cook. "It was great to be able to celebrate with the veterans who paved the way and set the standards that we try to live up to today."

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