More than 250 Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Ventura County service members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilian personnel, friends and family participated in a 5k run/walk on base March 7 to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Navy Reserve.

Rear Adm. Sandra E. "Sandy" Adams, deputy commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, delivered remarks during the opening ceremony; she spoke about the importance of the Navy Reserve, reflecting on the sacrifices of those who served during World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Following the opening remarks, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Christi Ward, Navy Reserve Operational Health Support Unit, Camp Pendleton, California, sang the national anthem. Ward lives in Arroyo Grande, California, and drove more than 170 miles to participate in the events.

A wave of people, many wearing NOSC 5K Centennial T-shirts, ran between Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAPs), Humvees, Security Force vehicles and all 50 state flags that lined the first 100 yards of the course.

Ward said she was excited, yet humbled, to participate in this historical event.

"When we talk to those who have served in the armed forces during specific periods, we get the real history and first-person view," she said.

Months of preparation went into planning the event. Capt. Tom Long, commanding officer (CO) of the NOSC, said a working group came up with the idea of having the 5K to demonstrate that all Sailors, active and reserve, are committed to a culture of fitness. He also stated fitness is a critical element to the Navy's success that he fosters in his Sailors. As reservists, we have to sustain our fitness to ensure that if we are called on to go forward, our bodies can withstand the stress of both physical and mental challenges, he said.

The mission of the Navy Reserve is to deliver operational capability and strategic depth to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint Forces. Congress authorized the establishment of the Federal Naval Reserve on March 3, 1915. With more than 58,000 personnel worldwide and 123 NOSCS nationwide, the Navy Reserves has always been and continues to stay committed to a ready and accessible force.

NOSC Ventura County, conducts training, administration and execution of Navy Reserve policy for approximately 900 reserve Sailors in 35 administratively assigned units.

For more information about Naval Base Ventura County, visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/navbase_ventura_county.html or learn more about NOSC Ventura County's current events at https://www.facebook.com/NOSCVenturaCounty/info.