Heritage Important US Navy

¶ … Navy and Heritage The United States Navy, as with all of the armed forces of the U.S.A., has a rich history. Since its creation, the Navy has been directly responsible for the continued success of the America's war efforts as well as for the continued protection of the country from its enemies. It is because of the many heroic actions performed by the naval forces since its inception that the navy is currently held in such high regard.

Only by reflecting upon the past can we appreciate the present. It is only because of veterans of the armed forces that the country still exists and that the citizenry are free. Heroism in any form always earns respect and the military has more heroes than any other organization.

By remembering and acknowledging the actions and the sacrifices of those who came before, the current naval forces can prevent making the same mistakes that were made in the past, ensure their own successes in defending the nation, and becoming part of the proud tradition of those who have served. For all of these reasons, the United States Navy respects and honors its own heritage. The heritage of the U.S. Navy is considered a very important aspect of the current naval policies.

In 2011, Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Donnie W. Ryan reported that first class petty officers who were serving on the U.S.S. Makin Island had naval history and heritage as part of their training. Part of that training included the history of the vessel on which they sailed, particularly the ship's experiences during World War II.

Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Lill stated, "I feel it's important to understand the history of the Sailors that came before us…Like the crew of the first USS Makin Island during their maiden deployment, the Sailors and Marines embarked on this maiden deployment volunteered to potentially put themselves in harm's way during an important time in our nation's history" (Ryan 2011). For those who serve in the armed forces, learning about their history serves to both inspire and also to educate the current members of those forces.

According to those who undergo the training, providing the back stories for the ships instills in the sailors a sense of pride because they have now become a part of that history, which in turn helps these men and women to be brave in times of danger. When a person joins the Navy, they are taught the Sailor's Creed. Recruits recite this creed during their time in boot camp and are again tasked with its recitation when they are made into officers.

Part of this creed is "I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world" (Faram 2005,-page 10). By becoming a part of the Navy, individuals come to understand the Navy's view if its own history. There is always new technology which allows the armed forces to be more efficient. There are computers and drones and remote control of vehicles, but behind each of these machines is a human being.

Before these technologies were invented, their functions were performed by a flesh and blood human being who knew full well that they were risking their lives, but valued the safety and security of their nation far more than their own lives. The U.S. Navy is an institution which is nearly as old as the nation itself. Its heritage is one of heroic victories such as the Battle of Midway and also epic national tragedy as.