[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15607]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           NAVY CELEBRATIONS

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, on October 13, 1775, Congress enacted 
legislation providing for the outfitting of America's first two 
warships, manned by crews of 80, to be sent out on a 3-month cruise. 
Their mission was to intercept transports carrying munitions and 
supplies to the British army in America. Navy missions have evolved 
significantly over the last 238 years; however, the essential role 
America's maritime forces play in defending our Nation and allowing 
prosperity to flourish is unchanged. The United States Navy has the 
finest men and women in uniform on, above, and below the high seas 
safeguarding America's interests at home and around the globe.
  This Sunday we celebrate the U.S. Navy's 238th birthday. We remember 
the great sacrifices made by sailors who came before, we mourn those we 
lost along the way, we celebrate their successes and we applaud the new 
generation of sailors serving our great Nation today. The United States 
Navy is comprised of over 323,000 active duty sailors, over 109,000 on 
ready reserve, and a civilian force around 201,000. The United States 
Navy cannot exist without the commitment of its active duty, reserve 
and civilian forces, in addition to the support of Navy families. The 
sacrifices made by over 630,000 proud men and women serving the Navy 
provide the freedoms all Americans enjoy daily; freedoms paid for by 
those in uniform, many who are aboard the 102 ships deployed around the 
world as I speak right now, serving on the front lines in defense of 
freedom.
  There are no finer men and women in uniform anywhere in the world 
than those who serve the United States Navy. Today, the value of having 
a strong naval power cannot be underestimated; 70 percent of the 
Earth's surface is covered by water and 90 percent of international 
trade travels by the sea, which means our sailors need to be 100 
percent on watch. No other branch of the military conducts missions on 
all fronts like the Navy does. The seas are America's lifeline; our 
Navy protects vital shipping lanes ensuring prosperity and free trade 
for our Nation and our friends abroad. The Navy is essential in 
protecting our Nation's cybersecurity at a time when, according to 
former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughead, 95 percent of 
digital information is traveling on cables at the bottom of the seas. 
Our national security is ever-dependent on our Nation's sea power. For 
each of these reasons and more, the United States Navy deserves our 
thanks and admiration.
  I must also pay tribute as today marks the 168th anniversary of the 
United States Naval Academy. When Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft 
founded the Academy in Annapolis, MD, I think he could only dream that 
it would continue to inspire and help create the high caliber graduates 
it does today. I truly must commend those graduates and their brothers 
and sisters serving in arms. The incredible flexibility and can-do 
attitude of the Navy were instrumental to the withdrawal of military 
forces in Iraq and the drawdown of military forces in Afghanistan. From 
the Seabees to the Navy Seals, the entirety of the Department of the 
Navy is integral to securing our national defense around the world.
  Artfully inscribed above the chapel doors at the Naval Academy are 
the Latin words ``non sibi sed patriae.'' Though the Navy has no 
official motto, these words, translated as ``not for self but 
country,'' encapsulate the sacrifice and dedication of our amazing Navy 
Men and Women serving across the globe today so that our society may be 
free. The real strength of our Navy is not the ships or weapons or 
technology at our disposal, but the highly trained, motivated, and 
professional sailors who make our Navy the envy of the world. For 238 
years, the U.S. Navy has witnessed many changes in missions, in 
geopolitics, and in technology. But in all that time, the one thing 
that has not changed is the importance of quality people, for it is the 
sailors who make it all happen, and who make the real difference in a 
Navy's effectiveness. To all who serve: thank you for your continued 
vigilance. Let us remember our Navy sailors and Naval Academy 
midshipmen for their historic achievements in defense of our Nation and 
in defense of freedom, and wish them a happy birthday.

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