Nine Bells Struck on US Navy's Birthday

Press Release October 11, 2012

Nine-bell Ringing: Photo credit USN

A Pentagon Navy staff celebration to commemorate the Navy's 237th birthday was held on 9, October 2012.

A Sailor assigned to USS Constitution rings eight bells, a nautical tradition to render honors with eight being the highest amount of bells bestowed, during a Pentagon Navy staff celebration to commemorate the Navy's 237th birthday.

The U.S. Navy has a 237-year heritage of defending freedom and projecting and protecting U.S. interests around the globe.

In the picture, from left, are Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens and Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark Tidd.