Joint Region Marianas Celebrates Navy Birthday

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Joint Region Marianas (JRM) held a bell-ringing ceremony to acknowledge the Navy's 237th birthday at Gab Gab Beach on Naval Base Guam (NBG) Oct. 12.

"It is important to the organization and our culture to remember there is a legacy that proceeds of great tradition and great culture," said JRM Commander Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne. "Our ethos, our character of honor, courage and commitment have been carried through 237 years of naval service, and those of us that serve now are a part of that legacy and we will leave a legacy for those that will come after us."

The ceremony began with the ringing of eight bells signifying the completion of standing watch for 237 years and was followed by a speech from NBG Command Master Chief (SW/AW/SCW) John Lawry. He reminded the Sailors they have the honor to serve in the greatest maritime fighting force the world has ever seen.

"As we celebrate our 237th birthday, it is our history and heritage that forms our identity, telling us who we are and what we stand for," Lawry said.

At the end of the speech, the bell was rung for the ninth time to show the start of the next watch.

Payne said Guam has the privilege to be the first to ring in the Navy's birthday.

"That is one of the advantages of living out here in Guam," he said. "We are forward-deployed but we are also the first ones to enjoy that benefit."

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/.