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Active service members and reservists celebrated the United States Navy’s 233rd birthday with a rousing celebration at the Pleasanton Hilton Saturday.
Three-hundred attendees gathered with much pomp and circumstance as is traditional in military celebrations. The event included a flag salute, toasts to all the branches of the military and special guest of honor, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr., who is based in Washington, D.C.
Campa Jr. was seated at a head table with other high-ranking guests. In front of the head table was an empty seat with a bell, a glass and a single red rose, representing all of the service members who are still listed as missing in action. Commemorative coins to mark the occasion were being sold at the start of the event, but at dinner, it was announced that a man associated with the rodeo industry who was not a guest offered to pay for all the remaining coins as a way of saying thanks to attendees for their military service.
To celebrate the Navy birthday, which is also being celebrated this month all across the nation, Campa Jr. and the youngest and oldest Navy service members helped cut the cake with a sword. The Navy birthday is Oct. 13, 1775. The Navy ball was hosted by the Moffett Field Chief Petty Officers Association, which includes members from across the Bay Area and outlying areas. This is the first time a Navy ball has been held in Northern California in 12 years.
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Guests at the Navy ball, held at the Pleasanton Hilton, take a professional photo. -
Military members present the colors before the dinner begins. -
Chief Petty Officers leave their hats at the entrance to the ballroom. -
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. speaks to guests at the Navy ball, the first that’s been held in Northern California in 12 years. -
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. cuts the birthday cake using a sword with the youngest and two oldest naval service members in attendance.
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