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Washington DC, – The Navy Reserve will mark
its centennial anniversary on Tuesday, March 3rd with a
series of events starting in Washington DC and continuing at
installations around the country during the year. The events
will highlight the history of the Navy Reserve and the
remarkable contributions Reserve Sailors have made to the
nation’s security.
“Our Centennial commemoration is a truly a
once in a lifetime opportunity to highlight the Reserve
Sailors for their service, and that of their families, to
America.” said, Vice Admiral Robin Braun. “We want to
recognize our rich history and heritage with all of our
Sailors, both past and present.”
For 100 years Navy Reserve Sailors have
answered our nation’s call in times of war and peace. From
communities across America, young men and women left their
homes and jobs, trading out civilian clothes for Navy
uniforms. From its earliest days, the Navy Reserve has
reflected the face of the nation, welcoming members from
every race, color, creed and gender to strengthen our Force.
HISTORY OF NAVY RESERVE 1915-2015
Congress authorized the establishment of the
Federal Naval Reserve on March 3, 1915. Initially, the only
Sailors eligible to enroll were enlisted Navy veterans. On
August 29, 1916, with the prospect of America’s entry into
World War I looming, the Navy Reserve reorganized to allow
the enrollment of non-veterans and was designated as the
U.S. Naval Reserve Force.
When the U.S. entered World War I on April 6,
1917, there were 8,000 Sailors serving in the Navy Reserve
Force. When the fighting ended on November 11, 1918, more
than 250,000 Reserve Sailors were on active duty, which was
more than half of the war-time Navy. These Sailors included
12,000 pioneering women – who were all released from active
duty by 1920 not to serve again until World War II.
During World War II, the Navy Reserve
contributed 84 percent of the Navy’s manpower. Navy Reserve
Sailors in World War II included five future U.S. Presidents
- John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald
Ford, George H.W. Bush – and 15 recipients of the Medal of
Honor.
More than 22,000 Reserve Sailors were
mobilized for the first Gulf War in the first post-Cold War
test of the Force, and since September 11, 2001, there have
been more than 70,000 Selected Reserve mobilizations, along
with an additional 4,500 deployments by Full Time Support
Sailors, including more than 8,000 who have done a second
combat tour.
Navy Reserve Sailors deliver essential skills
and capabilities to the Navy and Joint Forces wherever and
whenever needed. They possess in-depth knowledge and
experience that complement critical Navy missions and
provide best-practices, technical skills, process management
and demonstrated leadership from vastly different work
cultures to the Navy.
With nearly one quarter of the Navy Reserve
Force providing support to the active duty Navy on any given
day, today’s Navy Reserve is the most combat and
operationally experienced Force in decades.
Navy Reserve Sailors are patriots who balance
the demands of family life, civilian careers, community
service and the United States Navy, bringing diverse,
dedicated backgrounds from all walks of life. Navy Reserve
Sailors are successful because of the magnificent support
they get from their families, employers and friends
throughout their community.
The U.S. Navy Reserve – Ready then. Ready
now. Ready always.
For information on Centennial events, as well
as the history and heritage of the Navy Reserve, please
visit
www.navyreservecentennial.com
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