MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Two hundred and thirty-four years ago, England was the commanding power at sea and held sovereignty over the 13 British North American colonies.
England, wanting to hold its power over the colonies, stopped its sea trade and wreaked destruction upon the colonial seaside settlements.
When a motion to build an American naval fleet was raised before the Second Continental Congress, many of the delegates considered it a bold and foolish move, defying the might of the British Navy. Samuel Chase, a delegate of Maryland, said it was “the maddest idea in the world to think of building an American fleet.”
On Oct. 13, 1775, the United States Navy was born when the Continental Congress voted to arm two sailing vessels and sent them out to challenge the strongest naval force the world had ever known. Station service members gathered at the Club Iwakuni Ballroom here Oct. 9 to honor and commemorate the Navy‘s birthday and history.
The theme for this year’s ball was, “remembering our past to secure our futures.”
“The significance of the Navy Ball is allowing the Navy personnel to celebrate the 234 years of proud service that we’ve accomplished for our country,” said Chief Petty Officer Adrian R. Figueroa, Navy Ball master of ceremonies. “We have a lot of history.”
Figueroa said it’s important for Navy personnel to remember their history so they can continue to keep the level of excellence the U.S. Navy is known for.
The memory of the Navy’s historic battles and acts came alive as six side boys took their place, and a boatswain’s mate trilled his pipe, signaling the start of Navy Ball’s opening ceremonies. Service members recalled naval traditions as they observed the traditional cutting of the cake, the ringing of the ship’s bell and the parading of the colors.
“The Navy ball is a great timehonored tradition that everybody should participate in,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Mary Punzalan, Navy ball secretary.
“It’s a way to bring camaraderie amongst the leadership all the way down to the junior sailors. It‘s a time for everyone to get together and celebrate their military, their background,” she added.
Punzalan said celebrating the Navy birthday was celebrating the way of life it has provided for its sailors and everyone in the United States.
When the first two American vessels set sail against British power 234 years ago, they set sail to secure the future of a young nation with an uncertain future.
That future and way of life was steadily secured time and again as the Navy fought fiery battles, like the Battles of Lake Erie, Hampton Roads, Manilla Bay and Midway.
As the Navy continued to write its history with fire and cannons, its records were inscribed with the acts of men like Capt. John Paul Jones who, when he was called to surrender during the Battle of Flamborough Head, yelled back in defiance “We have not yet begun to fight!”
Sailors and Marines gathered at the ball, toasting and cheering a proud heritage filled with the memory of those past events.
“This is one of the first balls I‘ve actually been to, and I regret not going to the past ones,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Teran Robinson, Navy ball boatswain’s mate. “Just to get this kind of environment together with everyone celebrating one cause, one reason is nice.”
Robinson said celebrating the Navy birthday and its history is remembering and honoring what its sailors live and die for, and as long as there’s a U.S. Navy, it’s something worth celebrating.
The U.S. Navy was born in a time when the fate of nations was decided by battles at sea, and in those times, it was America’s top fighting force.
Today it continues to be a vital military force as it provides nuclear strength, and air and ground support through its carriers.