Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., hosted a Navy Reserve Centennial celebration March 19.

The ceremony, which was virtually attended by area commanders from Military Sealift commands around the globe, highlighted the sacrifices and contributions Reserve Sailors have made to the Navy since the reserve component's establishment.

Rear Adm. T.K. Shannon, commander, Military Sealift Command, touched on the history of the Reserve component and the unique skill sets Reserve Sailors bring to the Navy.

"This anniversary event offers an opportunity for us to pause and acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our Reserve Sailors," said Shannon. "Reserve Sailors made up more than 80 percent of our force in World War II, and were a vital part of the force in Korea and Vietnam. Today, they are serving in commands around the world, contributing to missions in every theater of operations."

In keeping with Navy tradition, Information Systems Technician 1st Class Sabrina Lynn and Rear Adm. Shannon, the youngest and oldest Sailors present, cut the cake commemorating the centennial.

Lynn, a Reserve Sailor assigned to Military Sealift Command Headquarters, said that Shannon's remarks opened her eyes to the rich history of the Navy Reserve.

"Although I knew that Reserve Sailors were involved, I didn't realize the extent," said Lynn. "The ceremony really reinforced how reserve and active components have integrated in major conflicts, and how they are still working together today to accomplish the mission."

The Navy Reserve celebrated 100 years of service on March 3, 2015. The Navy Reserve contributed 84 percent of the Navy manpower during World War II. More than 52,000 Navy Reserve Sailors have been mobilized and deployed to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, including more than 8,000 who have done a second combat tour.

Today, at least 20,000 Navy Reserve Sailors, or about one third of the Navy's Reserve component, are providing fully integrated global operational support to the Fleet and Combatant Commanders. For information on the history and heritage of the Navy Reserve as well as current Sailor stories and upcoming Centennial events, please visit www.navyreservecentennial.com.


For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/MSC/.