By Debbie Adams
The Roanoke County Cadet Corps, which is based at William Byrd High School, held a special
ceremony on Oct. 10 in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States Navy.
birthday of the US Navy with a cake-cutting ceremony on Oct. 10. From left are Cadet Jose
Santos-Ortiz, RCPS Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely, and Lt. Commander Alexis Short. (photos by Debbie Adams)
Cadet Lt. Junior Grade Jaxon Fowler was the master of ceremonies for the event which paid
tribute to 250 years of “proud naval heritage, service, and sacrifice.”
He explained that the birthday celebration has become an annual tradition, authorized in 1972 by
Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. The actual birth of the U.S. Navy dates back
to the American Colonial period when the Continental Congress established the Continental
Navy on Oct. 13, 1775. On that date, Congress authorized the procurement, arming, and manning
of two ships to intercept the British supply-vessels— marking the official beginning of the Navy. Shortly after, Congress expanded the fleet and authorized the construction of 13 frigates, laying
the foundation for what would eventually become the most powerful Navy in the world.
The theme for this year’s Navy birthday celebration is “Honoring the past, defending the future:
250 years of Navy and Marine Corps excellence.” This theme “highlights the U.S. Navy’s
historical readiness and long-standing commitment to being highly trained and dedicated to
defending American interests at sea, air, and land. The United States Navy is always ready to
fight and win!”
birthday.
Company Commander, Lt. Commander Alexis Short, led six of the cadets in a “time-honored
display of military precision: the 16-count Manual of Arms.” This drill dates back to the early
days of professional militaries, where it was used to teach discipline, unity, and weapons
handling with exactness. Each movement— from shoulder arms to order arms is executed in
perfect synchronization, reflecting the core values of respect, attention to detail, and esprit de
corps.
Arms drill.
Originally rooted in 18th and 19th century military training, the 16 count Manual of Arms helped
transform civilians into soldiers by instilling a sense of order, readiness, and pride in service.
Today, while the battlefield has changed, the meaning behind the drill remains: discipline,
teamwork, and honoring tradition.
The drill was followed by a reading of “The Watch” a time-honored Navy tradition, which pays
tribute to the unwavering vigilance, sacrifice, and duty of those who have stood watch over the
nation— on ships, on shore, and around the world. Each watch represents the Navy’s promise to
protect and serve, 24 hours a day, every day, for 250 years. After each line of the poem, a bell
was sounded.
- For 250 years, United States Navy Sailors have stood the watch.
- Since Oct. 13, 1775, through war, peace, and sacrifice, Navy Sailors have stood the
watch. - While we slept safely in our homes at night, a Navy Sailor stood the watch.
- While we learned our trades in school, a Navy Sailor stood the watch.
- Even before most of us were born, a Navy Sailor stood the watch.
- As the storms clouds of war brewed upon the horizon of history, a Navy Sailor stood the
watch. - From wooden sailing ships to nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, a Navy Sailor
stood the watch. - From the lands of Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East and beyond, a Navy Sailor stood the
watch. - From battles of Pearl Harbor, D-Day, and many others, a Navy Sailor stood the watch.
- Through 250 years of global change and conflict, today we salute every Sailor who has
proudly stood the watch.
Next on the agenda was the cutting of the birthday cake, which is usually cut with a sword, but
this year a cutlass was used.
Guest of honor, Roanoke County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ken Nicely, Company
Commander Alexis Short, and the youngest cadet present, Jose Santos-Ortiz, did the honors.
(Cadet Santos-Ortiz is a cross-town cadet from Hidden Valley High School.)
Cadet Fowler introduced Dr. Nicely saying, “Today, we are privileged to be joined by an
individual whose influence on education spans more than three decades. He’s a dedicated leader
who has helped shape the vision, values, and success of our entire district. As he approaches
retirement at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year, he will close the chapter on a truly
remarkable 35-year career in education, including 33 years of unwavering service to Roanoke
County Public Schools.
“Over the course of his journey, he has served as a tireless advocate for students, an inspiring
leader for educators, and a powerful force in advancing excellence across our schools. His legacy
is defined by commitment, integrity, and an enduring belief in the transformative power of
education.”
Nicely expressed his pride in the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps program which is housed
at William Byrd but serves Roanoke County students from all high schools, and of the importance of the U.S. Navy in the country’s history. He also commended the new Naval
school year.
Science Instructor, Command Senior Chief Shawn Wingle, U.S. Navy (Ret.), for his leadership
of the NNDCC program. Nicely also praised the “Esprit De Corps” displayed by the cadets who
work as a team, as one unit.
Other special guests included Jason Suhr, director of Career and Technical Education for RCPS,
and Mark Jones, CTE supervisor, along with WBHS Principal Evan Noell and Asst. Principal
Marcee Cook, and several cadet families.
