As the 240th birthday of the U.S. Navy draws near, a Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) retired senior chief discusses her family's legacy of service.

Retired Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SCW) Brenda Brazzle, along with her husband, Brian, a retired senior chief steelworker has collectively served nearly 49 years. Their three children, who have together amassed more than six years of service, are following in their parents footsteps.

"I'm happy the children are serving in the same branch of service," said Brazzle. "As parents we are here for them for advice or guidance when needed."

Two of their children are currently assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS George Washington (CVN 73), and a third recently graduated from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Brazzle and her family look forward to celebrating the upcoming Navy's 240th birthday on Oct. 13, 2015.

"It's fitting the central theme of this year's birthday and Heritage Week will be 'Ready Then, Ready Now, and Ready Always.' Our family has been and always will be 'On the Ready,'" she added. "This will be the first year all our names will be written somewhere within the Navy's log book of service to protect America's freedoms as we know it today."

Extended family members have also served in every other branch of service dating back to World War II added Brazzle.

"We have had many family members who have served in the other branches of the military to include a grandfather who enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II, one uncle who served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War, a second uncle who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Cold War and Vietnam era, two cousins who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Gulf War, and one cousin who served in the U.S. Air Force," said Brazzle, who jokingly added her family "represents the five sides of a pentagon, however, with one exception we will always be Navy strong."

Finding ways to continue to serve the U.S. Navy, Brazzle is the Senior C5ISR Program requirements analyst at NECC providing technical expertise to support Sailors in all aspects of requirements, readiness and operational communications. She offers this advice for all Navy Sailors.

"Be proactive in your career and your future and be proud of yourself and your team's accomplishments," said Brazzle.