DISA, JFHQ-DODIN celebrate US Navy’s 243rd Birthday

Members of the DISA and Joint Force Headquarters - Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN) workforce celebrated the Navy’s 243rd Birthday at their joint headquarters on Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, Oct. 12.

This year’s birthday theme is “Forged by the Sea,” which honors the American sailors who answered the nation’s call when the Continental Congress determined a navy was needed to protect America and its international interests.

DISA Director and JFHQ-DODIN Commander Navy Vice Adm. Nancy Norton hosted the ceremony and retired Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney served as the guest speaker.

Throughout his remarks, Cecil, a career submariner, drew parallels between the nation’s first naval force established by the Continental Congress and the modern Navy of today, which carries on the tradition of protecting American interest at home and abroad.

“Looking back at the challenges facing our nation at its conception, and as we look at the Navy today, today we’re still a nation at war, just as we were in the 1700s. We were a nation that did not have enough warships back then and today we continue to have the same problem,” Haney said. “What was consistent then and what remains so today is that our Navy is a force made up of very patriotic Americans, willing to carry out our nation’s bidding.

The U.S. Navy claims Oct. 13, 1775, as the date of its official establishment. After the Revolutionary War ended, the Continental Navy was disbanded. But threats to American merchant shipping vessels by Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean Sea led to the permanent reestablishment of the U.S. Navy. During the next 200 years, the U.S. Navy engaged in several military campaigns with countries including, Great Britain, Spain, Japan and most recently, the Navy participated in the Global War on Terrorism.

The retired admiral explained that similar to current congressional debates about military funding, the Continental Congress also questioned where the nation needed to expend the capital to build a seagoing naval warfighting capability.

Ultimately the Continental Congress authorized the construction of the two ships, then authorized the construction of additional ships it deployed to seize enemy ships, supplies, and correspondence. 

During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Navy seized more than 200 British vessels, forcing the British to divert its warships to protect its convoys and trade routes.

“It was a good thing to have that debate in the Continental Congress to sway those timid members into understanding the need for a navy to enable success in the campaign ashore. So as you can see, history has repeated itself throughout our Navy’s many chapters,” Haney said.

Haney went on to explain that the Navy’s success in conflicts is a result of the integration of superior technology and tactics coupled with remarkable, resilient sailors. He also pointed out DISA and JFHQ-DODIN’s role in contributing to the Navy’s success.

“I recognize the importance of the work that goes on here at DISA and how it supports the Navy and the Joint Forces. Whether it’s ensuring the resilience of undersea and terrestrial cables, to the work associated with satellite gateways that enable our naval presence around the world, what you do here at DISA is essential to our nation’s future,” Haney said. “As I look at America’s adversaries, we have to seek a variety of areas to ensure future success. This country has to remain economically strong with a lethal military. We must have an educated, empowered population and that requires not just a commitment to innovation, but also a commitment to accept innovation in a timely manner. That requires political cohesion. Fortunately, in 1775, congressional leaders made the right decision to commission the U.S. Navy.

Following Haney’s remarks, Norton and Haney - assisted by the oldest and youngest sailors present - cut a Navy birthday cake with a ceremonial sword. Navy Cmdr. Erica Dobbs, a combatant command liaison officer, and the oldest sailor present, served a slice of cake to the youngest sailor present, Seaman John Cook, a cyber-protection analyst assigned to DISA’s Operations Center. The passing of the cake signifies the passing of experience and knowledge and emphasizes the core belief that senior sailors care for junior sailors before they care for their own needs.

The ceremony concluded with a recital of the Sailor’s Creed, and a singing of the official Navy song, “Anchors Aweigh.”

“I’m thankful to be here with you. I can’t applaud you enough for the work you do to make sure that America’s adversaries are not successful,” Haney said. “Thank you for all you do for the U.S. Navy, thank you for your professionalism and answering our nation’s call. Happy birthday.”

Posted October 12, 2018