Navy Day was a Ball

  • Published
  • By Airman Caelynn Ferguson
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Center for Information Dominance Detachment hosted a Navy Day Ball to celebrate the branches’ 240th birthday at the Event Center Oct. 9.

“The celebration of the Navy is a time honored tradition,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Paul N. Villanyi, CID Detachment instructor, “a time for celebration and a time to reflect on our history.”

The event began with a cocktail hour, where guests could socialize and find their tables. Each table was decorated with a fish bowl with live fish and floating candles. In front of each placement was a program so guests could sing along to the Navy’s song, “Anchors Aweigh.”

During the ceremony, guest speaker Command Master Chief Chris Angstead, Command Master Chief for Navy Medicine Education Training Command, told the Navy story, and spoke of the significance of all branches coming together to honor past and present sailors for the Navy’s 240th Birthday.

“Tonight we salute the men and women of all ranks and ratings, who man our ships, submarines, keep our planes flying, build and fight, cook and repair, operate under the cover of darkness and keep us healthy and safe,” said Angstead. “I am proud to serve with you and call you shipmate. Happy Birthday!”

Angstead was then presented with a gift of appreciation, a handmade boatswain’s whistle.

The Navy prepared a Prisoners of War and Missing in Action table to honor past and current service members, and their families, who have sacrificed for the call of duty.

As part of the Bell Ringing Ceremony, a bell rang nine times to commemorate the 240th birthday of the U.S. Navy. The first eight bells signified the end of the watch, and the last single bell signaled the start of a new year.

The traditional cake cutting commenced with the guest of honor Angstead, the oldest Sailor, retired Command Master Chief Petty Officer Jerry Marlett, and the youngest Sailor, Seaman Apprentice Bethany Dodson. They cut the cake with a sword as per tradition.