Navy Operational Support Center Washington celebrated the Navy Reserve's 100th anniversary at a ceremony that included a ribbon and cake cutting at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy and Cold War Gallery at the Washington Navy Yard March 21.

The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting to unveil a new exhibit displaying artwork exclusively created by Navy Reserve Sailors. The collection of paintings, photographs and illustrations will be on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy for a year before traveling to other Navy museums.

Vice Adm. Robin Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve, Force Master Chief C.J. Mitchell and James H. Bruns, director of Naval Museum System Operations, joined together to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

"Most of the Navy art, and there are over 19,000 pieces of art in the Navy's collection, but the majority are done by Reservists," said Bruns. "This is the best of the Reservist art."

Reacting to the new exhibit, Vice Adm. Braun was impressed, but not surprised by the talent of the artists.

"It's really moving to see the talents that are within the Navy Reserve," Braun said. "When you think about all of the skillsets that we bring to the Navy, the fact that we also have artists who do this incredible work, it just shows the versatility of Navy Reserve
Sailors."

After the ribbon cutting, Capt. John McCracken, commanding officer, NOSC Washington, addressed a packed room inside the Cold War Gallery.

"When you look at the senior population that currently drills at NOSC Washington, one realizes we have many Sailors who have been in the Navy Reserve who have stood ready for nearly a quarter of those proud years of the Navy Reserve," McCracken said.

The audience of Reserve Sailors, families and employers was treated to remarks from retired Cmdr. David Winkler of the Naval Historical Foundation and author of "Ready Then. Ready Now. Ready Always: More Than a Century of Service by Citizen Sailors". Dr. Winkler discussed the making of the book and some of the hurdles he overcame when pulling all the information together.

"What I do in this book to pull the chapters together is to tell personal stories," Winkler said. "It's the people that tie this history together."

Winkler expressed appreciation for his shipmates by reminding the audience that the Navy's past, present and future depends on the talent and drive of those serving their country. The celebration at the Navy Yard was special to Vice Adm. Braun for that very reason.

"I served at NOSC Washington for eight years of my career, so it's always great to be back with Sailors that I've served with before," said Braun.

After a book signing with Winkler for all in attendance, Braun concluded the event with a ceremonial cake cutting to honor the centennial achievements of the Navy Reserve.

For more information about the Navy Reserve Centennial visit http://navyreservecentennial.com/.

For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/.