The White Falcon - 08.10.1993, Qupperneq 2

U. S. Navy birthday greetings

From ADM Frank B. Kelso, Chief of Naval Operations
As we celebrate the 218th birthday of our Navy, we find ourselves
in a new age that challenges us in new ways. In the past year, our Navy
has played an important role in meeting those challenges, as it has
throughout our history.
Despite fewer resources and a shrinking force structure, you
responded magnificently to every call, from enforcing U. N. sanc-
tions against Iraq to delivering humanitarian aid to Somalia and
Bosnia-Herzegovina. You provided support from the sea to opera-
tions in the Persian Gulf and the Adriatic. At home, you reached out
to the communities devastated by flooding in the Midwest. You
earned the admiration and respect of Americans from every walk of
life and showed them that Navy men and women are continuously on
station around the world, ready for action... from the sea.
Although the risk of global confrontation has disappeared, there is
still a requirement for our Navy to be globally engaged as a force for
peace and stability. In the years ahead, Navy and Marine Corps
personnel are clearly going to be involved everywhere our country
has an interest.
You have much to be proud of as you look back on the history of
our wonderful institution. Our 219th year will bring more change and
many opportunities. Let’s seize the opportunity to make our Navy
even better. I am proud of your hard work, and I appreciate the
sacrifices you make every day. Happy birthday to our whole Navy
family.
Michael D. Haskins, Commander Iceland Defence Force
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized
fitting out of ships for the first continental Navy. This signific
event marked what is known today as the birth of our modem Navy.
Over the past 218 years, our Navy has become the most advanced and
technologically superior Navy in the world. The world has changed
even more dramatically in these last three years, and the Navy’s
strategy has changed accordingly. The theme for this year’s Navy
Birthday reflects that new strategy, “...From the Sea, the Navy in
Action.”
In keeping with the theme of this year’s Navy birthday, we too have
to remember that our mission in Iceland continues to be a vital one and
that we are part of the worldwide Navy team in action operating
“...From the Sea.” During this past year, you have proven time and
time again that you are dedicated to the defense of our way of life, and
to the protection of the peace that is finally ours. I am proud of each
and every one of you and your many contributions to the Iceland
Defence Force mission. This fact is true no matter what your job may
be.
The future may be uncertain, but one thing that is not is how the
American sailor will continue to rise to action on each and every
occasion. Remember this while you continue to operate “...From the
Sea.” Be proud, be safe, and above all else continue to be you—those
men and women constantly in action that wear the “Navy blue.”
Happy 218th birthday, Navy.
Celebrating Navy heritage: 1775-1993
By Chaplain Craig Fenske
On 13 October 1775, Congress took a step
that the U.S. Navy today regards as marking
its official birth. It approved the plan for
purchasing and fitting out two vessels that
had been recommended the week before and
ordered them to be armed and sent in pursuit
of British transports en route to Canada.
They became the Andrew Doria and Cabot.
Two larger ships, which became the Alfred
and Columbus, were authorized on 30 Octo-
ber 1775. Their mission was not limited to
intercepting British store ships but were also
"... to be employed ... for the protection and
defense of the United Colonies.”
On 13 December 1775, Congress author-
ized the building of thirteen frigates at a cost
of $66,666.66 each, including five ships of
32 guns, five of 28 guns and three of 24 guns.
Only seven of the frigates ever got to sea —
all to be eventually captured or sunk—while
the remaining six were destroyed to keep
them from falling into enemy hands.
Unlike today, the captain of each ship was
responsible for gathering his own crew.
Usually, a junior officer would set up a ren-
dezvous at a popular tavern, print bulletins
which gave a glowing account of the vessel,
and then send out a detail of sailors and
marines to march through the town behind
merrily rattling drums. Joshua Barney,
master’s mate of the Hornet, outfitting in
Baltimore at the end of 1775, reported that he
managed by this method to drum up an entire
crew in a single day.
Once on board ship, discipline was strict,
conditions were harsh and pay was low —
$6.67 a month for an able seaman, paid in
depreciated Continental currency. John
Trevitt, a Marine Lieutenant on the Colum-
bus, said several month’s salary “would pay
for two pair of shoes.”
The U.S. Navy has come a long way since
its first birthday, from sail-powered to nu-
clear-powered. It ranks as the number one
naval force in the world, thanks to its high
quality personnel and its high technology
equipment. American sailors are the best
trained and the best paid in the world. They
take pride in their profession as they serve
their country on, under and in the air above
the seas, as well as on foreign shores around
the world. Happy 218th Birthday to the men
and women of the United States Navy. May
God grant us many more fair winds and
following seas!
The
White Falcon
Commander, Iceland Defense Force
RADM Michael D. Haskins
Public Affairs Officer
LT Joseph L. Quimby
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Fridthdr Kr. Eydal
Editor
J02 Carlos Bongioanni
Journalist
J03 (SW) Andreas Walter
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