The US Navy turns 231 years old today.

A message from the Navy’s Master Chief Petty Officer Joe R. Campa:

Throughout our Navy and throughout the year, our various communities celebrate birthdays. From Seabees to Submariners, Corpsmen to the Supply Corps, community birthdays are a source of pride and renewal. October 13, 1775, the birth of our Navy, is the one day that connects us all, every community and every Sailor.

Throughout the past 231 years, our Sailors and the Navy have continually adapted to the needs of the nation in both peace and war. Throughout our history, Sailors from every social group, from countries around the globe, from diverse cultures and backgrounds have joined in one common cause: the right of all people to enjoy freedom and liberty. We can do no less in this splendid endeavor.

Our Navy relies on the dedicated service of each Sailor, though we especially honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families they left behind. We must continue to honor past service by moving our Navy forward. Today we celebrate the accomplishments of those who have gone before us; I challenge each of you to renew your commitment to develop into the best Sailor possible to serve in the greatest Navy in the world. This means you must learn your job, develop your leadership skills and continually improve yourself physically and mentally.

Each of you has worked hard throughout this year. Thanks for all you have given, all you have accomplished, and all you have sacrificed. Extend my thanks to your families and all those who support you. Celebrate our heritage, be an honorable part of our history and have a happy Navy birthday.

Thanks to each and everyone serving in the U.S. Navy.

If you have a loved one in the Navy (or any service branch for that matter), I’ve got a fabulous related gift idea.

My friend and senior editor at Regnery, Harry Crocker, has just published a rich, impassionated tribute to America’s fighting forces over 400 years. The title happens to be the flag motto of the first Navy Jack: “Don’t Tread on Me.”

Great stuff. Crocker takes you on a tour of American military history, from Rogers’ Rangers to Merrill’s Marauders to the men and women on the front lines of the War on Terror today. (I’m at the WWII Anzio beach landing.)

Crocker calls for greatly increased military spending. Former Navy Secretary John Lehman echoes the call for a reinforced Navy.

“What would Reagan do?” Crocker asks. “He certainly wouldn’t let our Navy fall into scrap iron.”

Neither should we.