 The new Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Mike Stevens, sent his birthday message to the fleet October 9th in celebration of the Navy's 237th birthday. Shipmates and Navy families, as we honor the 237th birthday of the United States Navy, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all sailors, civilians and family members for your service and dedication to our great Navy. One of the primary reasons I believe our Navy is so great is because of the way we treat each other with decency and respect and how we conduct ourselves professionally. This is something that we should all actively strive to do every day. It adds value, influences those around us in a positive way and is truly important to our primary mission of war fighting. I personally look to our history as a roadmap and a guide to help us stay the course and aid us in navigating through the challenges we face today. It is these challenges that create the opportunities that allow us to grow as sailors, citizens and leaders. The Navy's birthday gives us a chance to think about the things we are doing today and how we are creating history from which future generations can draw courage. In everything that we do, we need to provide future generations something to be proud of and celebrate. This is our time. We are a part of a new history. We must seize the day because if we don't, who will? To all of our sailors and Navy families, I would like to wish you a very happy birthday as we celebrate 237 years of excellence and service to our great Navy. Thank you and I'll see you in the fleet.