Happy Birthday, US Navy

Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sends his wishes to the men and women of the U.S.Navy. On Oct. 13, 1775, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and passed legislation creating what would become the United States Navy. America celebrates this day every year, marking the service, sacrifice and devotion to duty of our Sailors around the globe. More than 45,000 Sailors are supporting joint, interagency and multinational operations throughout the world -- building, engaging and securing -- as always, delivering peace through strength.They serve on nearly 200 ships and submarines underway, at any moment providing critical capabilities for ballistic missile defense, counterterrorism operations, anti-piracy efforts and humanitarian relief missions. Their impressive and persistent presence, however, would be impossible without the steady support of our Navy families. Without them, we could not accomplish a single mission. On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I congratulate you and your families on 234 years of proud Navy service. Your rich heritage, combat readiness, and relentless tenacity make us very proud of you all. Bravo Zulu and happy birthday, shipmates!