 May 11 marked the anniversary of the appointment of the first Chief of Naval Operations. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert, along with prior CNOs gathered at the Washington Navy Yard to discuss the importance of the event. They gave Congress the authority to raise an army. But they mandated Congress to maintain a Navy. The CNO has many responsibilities, including acting as the main naval advisor to the president and SACNAV. In 1915, the Naval Appropriations Bill directed the creation of the Chief of Naval Operations position to serve under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy with statutory responsibility and authority of war plans, readiness, operations of the fleet. The ceremony concluded with a cake cutting marking the first of many events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the CNO. For more information, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website.