On Oct. 2, NAS Sigonella hosted its annual celebration of the U.S. Navy's birthday, paying homage to 240 years of naval history and pride.

The 2015 Navy Ball was coordinated by Chaplains Lt. Brian Myers and Lt. Adam Bayer, co-chairs of the Navy Ball Committee, in partnership with other organizations who contributed to the event's success at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania, Sicily.

"I didn't realize how much time goes into coordinating this event and I couldn't have done it without the overwhelming support I received," said Myers. "This event is and always will be a big deal and I couldn't be happier to be a part of the Navy tradition and to celebrate its 240th birthday."

During the event, Sailors paid tribute to PoW and fallen comrades, honoring their sacrifice and vowing to never forget.

"Oct. 13, 2015 marks the 240th anniversary of the date the Continental Congress commissioned our U.S. Navy and, today, we are the heir of that Navy and much of our Navy today reflects the preference and sensibilities of these founding plank owners; the plank owners of all plank owners," said NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Dennis. "From the Great White Fleet to the height of struggle against fascism, our Navy culture persists in each and every one of us today."

Following his remarks, Capt. Dennis introduced the event's guest speaker, Rear Adm. Cathal S. O'Connor, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, Resources and Plan, who had much to say about his time in Sigonella 26 years ago. He reflected on the significant accomplishments of the Navy during his tour of the base and surrounding community.

"We are a part of a long line of patriots and warriors who have answered a noble calling, the calling that is greater than ourselves," said O'Connor. "Since the birth of the U.S. Navy, we have been ready to sail out and answer the nation's call when it matters and where it matters, while the backbone of all the efforts have been the people who have made up the team: the service members, their families and government contractors."

Continuing with O'Connor's speech, he quoted remarks by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson during his address to the U.S. Navy Fleet on the occasion of his change of command ceremony.

"The Navy must be at sea, underway. We must be present in key areas of the world protecting American interest - enabling access to international markets and trade, responding to crisis and providing security," said Richardson.

In closing, O'Connor remarked, "If that's not what NAS Sigonella does every day, I don't know what is."

For more news from Naval Air Station Sigonella, visit www.navy.mil/.