Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball

On the 12th of November 2021, Sailors, Marines and Midshipmen from the University of Idaho and Washington State University gathered to celebrate the 246th Birthday of the Navy and Marine Corps. This event honors the traditions of the Naval Service and allows for battalion members to build comradery.

Battalion members listened to messages from the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. We This year’s guest of honor was CAPT Elaine Collins, a 1996 WSU alumna, and Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 9.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the colors and traditional passing of cake from the oldest to youngest Sailors and Marines in attendance. A table paying tribute to the fallen was also presented honoring those who sacrificed so greatly for our country.

For the remainder of the evening, battalion members and their guests enjoyed dancing and socializing. This was one of the first unit events of the year which gave members a chance to bond outside of regular unit activities. The evening was a great success and marked the return of the Navy Ball since the previous year’s cancellation.

- MIDN Hardesty