SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet (C3F) gathered for a celebration honoring the Navy's 240th birthday, Oct. 13.
"For all Sailors, including Navy civilians, today is a day to remember tradition and legacy," said Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. "It is also a time to remember all those who have lost their lives defending this great nation and making our Navy the finest in the world."
Tyson said in her opening remarks it is our Sailors who create and preserve the Navy's history and heritage for future Sailor's to uphold.
"America's Navy has been defending and protecting America on the world's seas since 1775," said Tyson. "For 240 years, our Navy has been there when it mattered, where it mattered, around the world and around the clock. We were, we are and always will be ready; when America calls, the Navy will always answer."
Intelligence Specialist Seaman Mallory P. Muzzalupo, the youngest enlisted Sailor assigned to C3F, participated in the celebration during the traditional cake cutting portion of the ceremony.
"It is amazing to be part of something this big and that has so much history," said Muzzalupo. "I am only 19 years old and there is 240 years of history behind where I am now and in what I'm doing for my country. It is a great honor, and I am so proud to be a part of this tradition."
In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized the recognition of Oct. 13 as the Navy's official birthday. This encouraged a Navy-wide celebration, enhancing a greater appreciation of our Navy's heritage, and providing a positive influence towards Navy pride and professionalism.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line.
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