October 18, 2016 -- More than a dozen corpsmen rallied in the parking lot in front of Naval Branch Health Clinic-Albany for a day set aside for a dual celebration – their beloved Navy’s birthday and a national commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
A zero-dark-30 corpsmen’s run and reflection on the U.S. Navy’s 241-year history kicked off the day filled with ceremonial activities, Oct. 14.
Runners left the clinic loudly chanting to cadence as they jogged in formation toward Coffman Hall, Building 3500.
As they reached the flagpole, alternating members of the group read selected passages from the Navy’s history, while occasionally pausing to quiz their fellow shipmates with bits of trivia, before passing the torch to the next Sailor.
After roughly three rounds of historical facts and quizzing, the runners returned to formation and continued their sprint toward the flagpole in front of Marine Corps Logistics Command’s Headquarters, Building 3700, for more of the same.
The run ended with personnel gathering around the anchor in front of NBHC-Albany, where Chief Petty Officer Eric Jackson, senior enlisted leader, told the junior Sailors about transitions he has witnessed over his 22-year Navy career.
Seaman Anton Moreno, pharmacy technician, NBHC-Albany, who coordinated the day’s events, discussed both celebrations.
“It’s a celebration combined with the Navy’s birthday as well as Hispanic Heritage,” Moreno said. “So, we’re having a potluck; I’m cooking the majority of the Mexican food, thus my last name.
“The run is a commemoration -- something we do every year,” he added. “Just to respect the Navy, a nice little motivational run we do for the corpsmen and the Navy’s birthday. We’re also trying to have a Captain’s Cup kind of activity, where the teams compete. We’re planning tug of war and some other team sports activities at Covella Pond.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Chloee Ward, radiology technician, NBHC-Albany, commented on her career and the Navy’s birthday.
“It’s the Navy’s 241st birthday,” Ward said. “I am obliged to be in the Navy and be a part of another birthday. I have been in the Navy six years; the Navy has been good to me. I look forward to finishing out my contract and (possibly) reenlisting. We will run for the Navy’s birthday; we will have good food and we will have good cake. Go Navy!”
The clinic’s commemorations culminated with the most senior and junior Sailors in attendance, Navy Capt. Michael Service and Seaman Kyle Jacobs, respectively, cutting the traditional birthday cake.
The cake-cutting ceremony was followed by a feast of culinary dishes prepared to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
To view more photos from the Navy’s 241st birthday events, visit MCLB Albany’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marine-Corps-Logistics-Base-Albany/512695405469372.