The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) celebrated the Navy's 240th birthday and paid honor to more than two-centuries of U.S. naval history and heritage Oct. 16.

The ceremony opened with Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Maurice Purley tolling eight bells to signify the end of the watch for the Navy's current birthday year.

"As we celebrate our Navy's 240th birthday, our history and heritage forms our identity, telling us who we are and what we stand for. Our core values of honor, courage and commitment have been passed down from our founders, who charged the Navy with the solemn duty to serve as the "shield" of our republic," read aloud by CENSECFOR Command Master Chief Brian Dunn.

As he continued reading, his words recounted naval history from War of 1812 through the Civil War and World War I to modern day Riverine operations. This span of time has tested and stretched, forged and honed the Navy into the greatest military sea power in the world today.

"Our Navy has boldly and proudly put our shoulder to the wheel," read Dunn in conclusion. "We have championed peace and we continue to shield the republic. Here is to 240-years of proud naval heritage and many more."

CENSECFOR Commanding Officer, Capt. Raymond Benedict took center stage to cut the cake with his Staff Personnel Officer, Lt. Stephanie Maenza. As the oldest and youngest Sailors present, Benedict passed a piece of cake to Maenza that served to signify the passing of experience from one generation of Sailors to the next.

As Benedict cut and passed the piece of cake to Maenza, Dunn announced that the passing of the cake emphasizes that fact that senior Sailors care about younger Sailors looking toward their needs before looking at their own.

"While stationed in Japan, I visited Iwo Jima, Corregidor, Bataan, and Okinawa and really learned what went on during those battles- last stand of the tin-can sailors. I started craving to know more about that history and heritage," said Benedict to point out the value and importance for Sailors to know their Navy's rich history and heritage.

While attendees stood at attention, Purley sounded the ninth ring of the bell to signify the start of a new watch being the Navy's 241st year of shielding the republic.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year. It has 14 training locations across the United States and around the world where training breeds confidence.

For more information about the Center for Security Forces, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/csf.

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