As a member of the world's most advance naval fighting force I can say without a glimpse of doubt we are steeped in stories. Our tradition and heritage consist of some of the most heroic, heart wrenching, and proud moments imaginable. We are hard working and self-sacrificing Sailors, and if I were to nail down the narrative that defines us it would be one of enduring change.
In my few years as an Air Traffic Controller in the Navy I have seen an endless amount of change. Most of us change duty stations every 3-5 years. Just when we get used to one way a new regime enters the picture and things change. Instructions and orders change as well as uniform regulations and "Big Navy" doctrine. Threat levels and security measures change without notice, and we are all affected. Our ability to adapt and overcome to constant change has enabled us to respond to our nation's call at a moment's notice. We are a malleable bunch forged under the pressures and stresses of a changing nation, world, and global need.
One of the oldest stories from the Fleet was during the creation of the new Continental Navy October 13, 1776. An open enrollment was held in a local tavern where the first to volunteer was given a uniform, sea bag, and a mug of beer. The second Sailor to enlist was given a uniform, a sea bag, and two beers and told to sit down with the other guy. The first Sailor noticed the two pints of beer and preceded to inform the Sailor next to him that in the old Navy things were definitely not as good as they have it now.
And thus began the sea of change in our fine naval force. I can't say this constant pressure and lack of stability is a good or bad thing, but it does make who we are. We are Sailors. We endure in the hardest of times and we answer the call. We are prepared to fight at a moment's notice, and we do it with grit and determination. We have seen African Americans, females, and now homosexuals enter our ranks and we are better for it. Change does not always come easy, and no matter the size and/or scope of the change we will continue to fight for our country with Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We are the Navy, and this is what we do.
JP
In my few years as an Air Traffic Controller in the Navy I have seen an endless amount of change. Most of us change duty stations every 3-5 years. Just when we get used to one way a new regime enters the picture and things change. Instructions and orders change as well as uniform regulations and "Big Navy" doctrine. Threat levels and security measures change without notice, and we are all affected. Our ability to adapt and overcome to constant change has enabled us to respond to our nation's call at a moment's notice. We are a malleable bunch forged under the pressures and stresses of a changing nation, world, and global need.
One of the oldest stories from the Fleet was during the creation of the new Continental Navy October 13, 1776. An open enrollment was held in a local tavern where the first to volunteer was given a uniform, sea bag, and a mug of beer. The second Sailor to enlist was given a uniform, a sea bag, and two beers and told to sit down with the other guy. The first Sailor noticed the two pints of beer and preceded to inform the Sailor next to him that in the old Navy things were definitely not as good as they have it now.
And thus began the sea of change in our fine naval force. I can't say this constant pressure and lack of stability is a good or bad thing, but it does make who we are. We are Sailors. We endure in the hardest of times and we answer the call. We are prepared to fight at a moment's notice, and we do it with grit and determination. We have seen African Americans, females, and now homosexuals enter our ranks and we are better for it. Change does not always come easy, and no matter the size and/or scope of the change we will continue to fight for our country with Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We are the Navy, and this is what we do.
JP
