Sailors at U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka celebrated the United States Navy's 240th birthday on the hospital grounds, Oct. 13.

To begin the day of celebration, the hospital conducted an all hands uniform inspection. Led by USNH Yokosuka Commanding Officer, Capt. Glen Crawford, he was joined by Executive Officer, Capt. Kristen Atterbury, Director of Nursing Services, Capt. Maria Young and Command Master Chief, Loren Rucker, who addressed the troops upon completion, discussing the Navy's history and contributions towards building the nation.

"Today we celebrate 240 years of US Naval service which has had an influence in nearly every country and every major water way in the world," said Rucker. "The Navy has changed from sailing ships to coal, diesel and nuclear powered steam ships. We've had human powered submarines, and double hulled nuclear submarines. We have fought in wars with biplanes and jets. We have conducted wartime and peace time operations on every continent. Today we are a diverse force, with diverse backgrounds. Thankfully our uniforms have also changed. Instead of making them from tattered remnants from the sails with a material called dungaree which all hands wore, they have changed into the Navy working uniforms and the dress blues we are wearing today."

The Continental Navy was established on Oct. 13, 1775 by the Continental Congress to dispatch two armed vessels to search for munitions ships that supplied the British Army in America. Rucker continued on with his speech.

"Today we remember the 240 years of service, a badge of honor that we all get to share," said Rucker. "Some of us followed the traditions of our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and grandparents, those who have gone before us. Some of us set in the tradition of service by our own service. Though this is not Memorial Day or Veterans Day, it is nonetheless a day of remembrance and celebration."

Upon the completion of Rucker's remarks, a cake-cutting ceremony was held to commemorate the day with Crawford as the command's most senior Sailor, and Hospital Apprentice Edna Folau, the most junior.

"I found out last week that I am the youngest Sailor in the command," said Folau, a 19-year old who works out of Pediatrics. "When I was told what I was about to be a part of, I was happy and excited to know it was for a good cause. It meant a lot to me to stand in front of the command with my commanding officer. After gaining years of experience, maybe one day I can be like Capt. Crawford and share my experiences with junior Sailors."

In 1972, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized recognition of Oct. 13 as the Navy's birthday. In contrast to Navy Day, the Navy Birthday is intended as an internal activity for members of the active forces and reserves, as well as retirees and dependents.

"About two months ago, I stood atop of Mount Fuji in a moment of reflection, looking back at my short time in this great Navy, proud to be able to serve and having been a recipient of that hard work done by those that have gone before me," said Rucker.
"Today as I walked out in front of this outstanding display of Sailors, I can honestly say, I couldn't be more proud to serve in this great Navy as I am today. Shipmates, happy 240th Birthday!

U.S. Naval Hospital, Yokosuka is the largest U.S. military treatment facility on mainland Japan caring for approximately 43,000 eligible beneficiaries while delivering an average of 535 infants each fiscal year.


For more news from U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, visit www.navy.mil/.