“Thank you for your service…”

While I was still in the Navy, I was once asked: “What does the phrase ‘thank you for your service’ mean to you.”

I have since been out of the Navy now for 18 months after 12 years of service, but still, receive the same salutation based on my Veteran status.

Regardless of my military service, I have always been one to shun the praise bestowed upon me. So, I tried to approach the answer to that question with an unbridled approach.

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Military Monday: The Battle of Midway – A Turning Point Anchored by Sea Control

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, which is believed by many to be the turning point of World War II. The battle was a moment in time when the only thing standing between tyranny and freedom was the United States military. This is a time to commemorate the battle in which the toughness, initiative, integrity and accountability of American Sailors and Marines proved essential to the victory that changed the tide of the war in the Pacific.

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Military Monday: Support Units of the Amphibious Force

During the island-hopping campaigns of World War II, military leaders recognized a need for a single organization dedicated to the support of amphibious operations. A decision was made to consolidate amphibious assault assets under one parent command, thus forming Naval Beach Group ONE in July 1948.

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Military Monday: Surface Navy Remembers Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr.

Nov. 13, 2017 bore witness to the passing of one of America’s true and great heroes. At 93 years of age, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas Hudner’s passing leaves behind a legacy of heroism, service with honor, brotherhood, equality, and dedication to his country.

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Military Monday: SSOP: The Bedrock of Surface Force Operations

As a mission increases in complexity, risk grows exponentially. It is nearly impossible for any one individual to solely identify, evaluate and mitigate all the risks in complex or unknown situations. Going to sea is a dangerous and complex evolution. When you add in complex and sophisticated missions, weapons and operations, it adds an entirely different layer of complexity and strain on an already hazardous environment.

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Military Monday: Surface Force Assists After Hurricanes

In the midst of what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has labeled as ‘one of the most potentially active hurricane seasons since 2010’, the U.S. Navy Surface Force has mobilized multiple vessels and thousands of Sailors and Marines to support humanitarian and disaster relief (HaDR) operations.

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Military Monday: Ships of the Surface Fleet: Amphibious Transport Dock Ship (LPD)

Construction of USS San Antonio (LPD 17), the first in the class of ships which bears her name, began in June 2000 with her commissioning in January 2006. Nearly every year since then, a new San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship (LPD) has commissioned into service in the U.S. Navy

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Destroyers: “Tin Can” Legacy Forged of Lethal Steel

Destroyers, a.k.a., “Tin Cans”-the legendary Greyhounds of the Sea, have patrolled the world’s oceans with domineering force since 1902. Over the last 116 years, these U.S. Navy warships have made their name as the most unique and capable surface combatants.

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Our Navy’s Mission: How the Surface Forces Fit In

What mission guides all actions of the Surface Navy?

“The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.”