USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) celebrated the U.S. Navy's 242nd birthday, honoring the brave men and women who conduct combat, training, humanitarian, rescue and other missions worldwide, Oct. 15.

"Our Navy has a rich tradition of devotion and service to the people of this country," said Capt. Nicholas J. Dienna, Truman's commanding officer. "Every man and woman on this great ship should take pride in being part of our Navy's heritage. We have and will always remain prepared to deploy forward, fight when necessary, and win."

Truman joined the Navy in celebrating its birthday by having Sailors from the Multi-Cultural Heritage Committee host a cake-cutting ceremony on the forward mess decks aboard the ship. Truman held fast to the tradition by having the oldest and youngest Sailor aboard the ship cut the cake.

"The Navy birthday as well as the ceremony we hold are important because it celebrates the service to the United States these Sailors provide," said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Hector Feliciano. "It also recognizes hundreds of years of sea power and liberty."

The Navy traces its roots to the Continental Navy, which was established by the Continental Congress on Oct. 13, 1775 after they approved the fitting out, manning and dispatch of two armed vessels. The Andrew Doria and Cabot were designed to cruise in search of munitions ships supplying the British army in America.

The Constitution of the United States, ratified in 1789, inspired Congress "to provide and maintain a navy," and so Congress then acted on this authority by ordering the construction and manning of six frigates in 1794. One of the first six frigates, USS Constitution, remains a commissioned warship today and is homeported in Boston.

"The mission of the Navy remains relatively the same as it did more than 200 years ago," added Dienna. "We sail to ensure vital sea lanes remain open and protect our Nation's interest around the world."

In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized the recognition of Oct. 13 as the Navy's birthday. Since then, each CNO has encouraged and supported a traditional Navy-wide celebration of this occasion each year in order "to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service."

Truman is currently underway conducting Tailored Shipboard Test Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) in preparation for future operations.

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