Letter from the Editor

Can you imagine experiencing the last two centuries in person? While we may not be able to turn back the clock and walk in someone else’s shoes, we can most certainly experience this time vicariously through U.S. Navy history. On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the Navy will celebrate 245 years of service to our nation.

So, what has the Navy experienced since 1775?

There was a time when Sailors were pressed into serving on British Navy ships, something the infamous John Paul Jones was undoubtedly familiar with before he uttered, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

In 1814, the Navy came to the defense of the U.S. Capitol, which the British attempted to destroy with fire. Antarctic exploration was in full swing during the Wilkes Expedition in 1840. In 1847, Congress authorized the secretary of the Navy to place two naval ships at the disposal of two merchant captains—still a unique decision—to deliver food to those starving in Ireland and Scotland during the potato famine.

There was the survey of the Amazon and Madeira Rivers by the USS Enterprise in 1878. Then, in 1885, the U.S. Navy Congo River Expedition. In 1907, the Great White Fleet became the first ‘round-the-world cruise of its kind, featuring 16 ships visiting six continents in a span of 14 months.

Homing pigeons have been trained as messengers for use during wars, and kite balloons have been used on escort vessels to detect submarines.

The Navy arrived on The Liberty Coast in 1940, after well-meaning Jacksonville citizens gifted a piece of land to the service. Unbeknownst to residents at the time, this would prove to be a timely gift for the nation, as evidenced by Jacksonville’s ability to militarily respond to the Pearl Harbor attack and protect the community.

The U.S. Navy has been through a vast array of adventures in its 245 years, and you can certainly name many other worthy and memorable events that I didn’t mention.

There are numerous naval commands on The Liberty Coast: Naval Station Mayport; Commander, Naval Surface Squadron FOURTEEN (CNSS-14); Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay; Naval Air Station Jacksonville; Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE); Patrol Wing ELEVEN; and so many others. Liberty Life would like to wish each and every Sailor on The Liberty Coast a happy birthday!

Not only does the Navy celebrate its birth on October 13, but Naval Air Station Jacksonville is turning 80 years old two days later. Break out the balloons!

Many commands likely won’t have an official cake this year, but Liberty Life extends a crisp salute to the Navy for keeping our nation safe and the global sea lines of commerce and communication open for all.

On Base • In Town • Pro-Military