242 Years

Continental Sloop Providence (1775-1779) - W. Nowland Van Powell
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Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruize eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct.

That a Committee of three be appointed to prepare an estimate of the expence, and lay the same before the Congress, and to contract with proper persons to fit out the vessel.

Resolved, that another vessel be fitted out for the same purposes, and that the said committee report their opinion of a proper vessel, and also an estimate of the expence. (Source)

As I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant I'm sure there were one or two of you wondering why I did not commemorate the Air Force's 70th birthday back in September. Well, there are a number of reasons for that, some of which will no doubt have Buck fuming over his beer and cigar in the afterlife. Sorry my old comrade but our old service has lost its way. Some say that the new kids in charge will make it better. Let's just say, I'll believe it when I see it.

More importantly, I now feel very connected to the Naval Service for any number of reasons.  All three of the progeny wore the uniform of our nation's Navy. My son-in-law is still on active duty (filthy hinge though he be) and The Nuke herself remains in the Navy Reserve. (She's also a lieutenant commander but I won't call her "hinge," truth be told, I'm told that's more of an aviation "term of endearment" than a term used by the shoes, er, I mean Professional Surface Warfare Officers. And she scares me, she's tough as nails and salty as Hell. If'n you get my drift. Why she's scared senior chiefs right off the ship! Yup, I'm awfully proud of her. All of 'em to tell the truth. But, you guessed it, I digress.)

I retired from Uncle Sam's Aerial Forces in 1999, after 24 years of service. Reported for work at the current job two months after I hung up the blues. Now I've been with my current employer (who we affectionately refer to as "Uncle Ray") for a shade over 18 years. Most of that time working on projects for the United States Navy. I work with quite a few veterans, most of whom wore sailor suits for their time in the service.

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Uh, no, wrong graphic. (Damn it Schmuckatelli! Where's the picture I asked for?)

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Yeah, that one.

I've been to sea on two aircraft carriers and been aboard a bunch of other ships, both old and new. Heck, I even speak a little "Navy" lingo. (Have to in my line of work!) In fact, there are a number of ships I consider "mine." You can read about that here.

The family has been associated with the United States Navy since The Naviguesser received his commission back in '01. (Yes, I would pronounce that "ought one," never as "oh one." Because ought one is a year, oh one is an ensign, or 2nd looey depending on one's service.) So while I am a retired Air Force guy, I'm really a Navy Dad.

And don't you ever forget it!

Happy Birthday Navy!

Non sibi sed patriae.

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You can read more about the birth of the Navy here.