MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The United States Navy is proudly celebrating 238 years of maritime heritage and expeditious naval warfare this month.
Marines, Sailors, and other dedicated spectators gathered by the hundreds to commemorate the Navy’s birthday with an evening colors ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 3.
The ceremony commenced with a special rendition of the national anthem performed by Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Emily Riley, a corpsman with Marine Aircraft Group 16 and a Dallas native. Following her performance, and a thunderous applause, the commander of troops readied to give his report.
The reviewing officer for the ceremony, another petty officer second class, commanded two platoons - one of all Marines alongside a platoon of Sailors - before taking the microphone to deliver his thoughts on the meaning of the Sailor’s Creed.
“The words are simple, but every word makes a huge impact when you listen to them,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Gregory Cannon, a corpsman with MAG-16 and a St. Louis native. “With these simple words, we recognize the unadulterated pride in the choice to enlist and the consequences that come with it.”
The guest of honor, Command Master Chief Frank Dominguez, command master chief of I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), shared his thoughts on bringing in another year of naval excellence for Americans.
“These times are a time of reflection,” said Dominguez. “This is a time to self-reflect and reaffirm what we signed up for: war fighting first. We will be ready when the nation is not ready, or least ready.”
With the retiring of the colors, the crowd dispersed with a new understanding of the Sailor’s Creed and a renewed sense of the Navy’s commitment to the American people.