What are some of your memories and traditions celebrating the Navy Birthday?

2021-10-13T14:25:19-04:00

I'm just an Army guy but I know that the USMC birthday is a big deal. It even has its own topic on RallyPoint. However the Navy Birthday seems to be somewhat subdued for a service branch rooted in such tradition and ceremony.

Is there a grog recipe we should know about?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Oct 13 at 2021 4:42 PM

2021-10-13T16:42:44-04:00

SSG Carlos Madden You do mean with Bourbon?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2021 8:26 PM

2021-10-13T20:26:19-04:00

Besides celebrating that I never joined them? But seriously. My grandfather was in the Navy during WW2...he joined after he found out his brother died on the Arizona....so basically I just give a quiet mental salute.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 13 at 2021 8:51 PM

2021-10-13T20:51:14-04:00

SSG Carlos Madden GOD Bless each and everyone of you Navy Sailors.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 14 at 2021 10:36 AM

2021-10-14T10:36:00-04:00

I’ve never been a fan of big celebrations, in the Navy and post retirement. For that matter, even as a senior manger in private industry. That’s not to say I’m not thankful for all that the Navy provided me. Training and experience to become a journeyman as a diesel mechanic, then converted to electronics and communications. That and the leadership experience to do quite well in the civilian world and retirement. Travel around the world and time in the submarine service that still can’t be repeated today.

Response by PO1 Ricky Allen made Oct 14 at 2021 11:05 AM

2021-10-14T11:05:12-04:00

Celebrating the Navy birthday? I like to look at old Navy photos. I think they’re cool.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2021 12:43 PM

2021-10-20T12:43:34-04:00

As a prior enlisted Marine, I know all about the USMC Birthday Ball and things like Mess Night, but I have next to Zero experience with Naval Birthday Traditions. Now that I'm a Naval Officer, I'd be interested in learning about some of the traditions Vets and Retirees used to have while they were in the Navy.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2021 6:07 AM

2021-11-13T06:07:54-05:00

Thanks, SSG Carlos Madden apologies for the delay...I was consumed trying to get this ready for distribution. We're about to change the Military Veteran's future concerning "transition."

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Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 13 at 2021 11:37 AM

2021-11-13T11:37:36-05:00

Never been invited to one...

Response by PO2 Patrick Dwyer made Nov 15 at 2021 6:10 AM

2021-11-15T06:10:21-05:00

Navy ? Our morning rituals seem memorable.

Response by SCPO Daniel McKinnon made Jul 29 at 2022 11:50 AM

2022-07-29T11:50:44-04:00

I don’t log on here much and just saw your message on my page. I really don’t have any stories about the Navy Birthday during my active duty time. It was basically just another day and I have never attended a Navy Ball to celebrate. Maybe the regular Fleet Navy made a big deal about it, but I was a ground pounder Seabee and our birthday is celebrated on March 5th and just has a short history since 1942 usually in supporting the Marines when the shit hits the fan. The few Seabee Balls I have attended usually had a high-ranking guest speaker from higher command or DC to make a speech, a ceremony with cake cutting, and before the PC era had a grog bowl & skits. After all that an open bar and dancing if spouses or girlfriends were attending. Some deployments sites were basically all male, so drinking was the order of the day, especially after the CO and guest speaker departed. I was invited and attended a couple of MC Balls in Iceland with the base security force and Embassy Marines. One of those Marine Corps Balls a Corps General came in from DC as the guest speaker and he made comments criticizing President Clinton and the next issue of the Navy Times we saw that he was retiring effective immediately. I forget what he said, but we all agreed and were laughing about it. It was around the time right after the Navy tailhook scandal. Somehow his comments followed him back to DC and my guess he was “volunintold” that he was retiring immediately.