One hundred years of service to the nation was celebrated inside the Rhode Island Statehouse on Tuesday, March 3, with the commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the Navy Reserve.

Gov. Gina Raimondo joined Cmdr. DeWuan Booker, commanding officer, Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC), Newport, and the NOSC Newport staff; elected officials and distinguished guests in marking this milestone that included the official parading of the colors by Naval Health Clinic New England; a performance of the national anthem by Navy Band Northeast vocalist Musician 1st Class Dan Smith; and prayers by Navy Reserve Chaplain Lt. Robert Clark.

Presentations were made to the Navy from the State of Rhode Island and the community.

State Rep. Ray Gallison, co-chairman, Rhode Island Defense Economy Planning Commission, presented the Navy with a proclamation. The state Committee on Veterans Affairs presented a resolution to the Navy in recognition of the event.

"Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for your willingness to answer the call to duty," Raimondo said to those men and women in the audience in uniform.

"My father served. I feel so grateful that young people today are willing to serve and sacrifice for all of us," she said.

The governor also presented Booker a citation from the Statehouse marking the day's historic significance.

Booker presented the governor a NOSC plaque thanking her for her support of the Navy Reserve in Rhode Island and a NOSC Command Coin.

"It was important for me to be here personally," Raimondo said. "We owe you all a debt of gratitude for your service, your sacrifice and your duty."

"It is very fitting to have the Navy Reserve Centennial in the Rhode Island Statehouse as this state was significant to our Navy's history," Booker said.

"Newport was pivotal in the defeat of British General Cornwallis at Yorktown during the War of Independence and the first ship John Paul Jones commanded was the "sloop of war" named "Providence," he said.

Booker went onto remind the audience about the importance of community support to these men and women who serve.

"Navy Reserve Sailors are patriots who balance the demands of family life, civilian careers, community service, and the United States Navy, bringing diverse, dedicated backgrounds from all walks of life," Booker said.

"Navy Reserve Sailors are successful because of the magnificent support they get from their families, employers and friends throughout their community," he said.

Capt. Dennis Boyer, commanding officer, Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport; along with other NAVSTA Newport commanding officers, Capt. Kristen Fabry, Navy Supply Corps School, and Capt. Kevin McGowan, Officer Training Command Newport, were also in attendance reiterating the importance of the Navy Reserve to the overall Navy mission and team.

There are currently more than 600 Navy Reservists being administratively served by NOSC Newport. NOSC Newport supports 30 units including the Naval War College in Newport; U.S. Forces Korea; Officer Training Command, Newport; Naval Justice School, Newport; U.S. 7th Fleet; Navy Medicine; and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

In the last year, 19 NOSC Sailors were mobilized; 6 of these Sailors are Rhode Island citizens and one of them is still on deployment in Afghanistan.

Ready Then, Ready Now and Ready Always! The Navy Reserve is a great value for the Navy and the Nation.

To learn more about the Navy Reserve, go to: www.navyreservecentennial.com.

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