Get Event Dates for #AmericasNavy250, the U.S. Navy’s 250th Birthday Celebration

Beginning in January 2025, the Navy celebrates its 250th birthday during a series of commemorations, including leadership outreach events, multilateral exercises, and community engagements of varying scope and duration. These activities showcase the strength and importance of the Navy to national security and present opportunities to inspire a new generation of Americans to take up the call to serve, in and out of uniform, in the public and private sectors.
 
In 2026, the Navy will again commemorate its contribution to the Nation’s defense as part of a whole-of-government 250 celebration planned by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. The Navy will host port calls and community outreach engagements in major U.S. cities. The International Naval Review will culminate the events as a maritime highlight.

October 13, 2025 will mark the Navy’s 250th birthday, corresponding to the October 13, 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress that established what is now the United States Navy with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months . . .”

After the American War of Independence, the U.S. Constitution empowered the new Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.”  Acting on this authority, Congress established the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798.

In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of 13 October as the birthday of the U.S. Navy.  Since then, each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion “to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”

For additional resources that will be updated as the year continues, click below:

• The National Museum of the U.S. Navy
• U.S. Navy 250 Landing Page

 

Navy Office of Community Outreach Releases its 2025 Navy Week Schedule

The Navy and Marines Corps 250th birthday provides an excellent opportunity for U.S. Navy Sailors to connect and share with the American public how they preserve the peace, responds in crisis, and win decisively in war.

The Navy Office of Community Outreach recently announced the 15 locations it will visit in 2025 as part of the Navy’s signature outreach program known as Navy Weeks. Navy Weeks provide an opportunity for communities to better understand how the Navy delivers power for peace, from seabed to space.

Among the 15 areas, NAVCO will visit six locations for the first time in the program’s 20-year-history: American Samoa, Anchorage, Huntsville, Wichita Falls, Hartford and Eugene. The 2025 Navy Weeks also coincide with the Navy’s 250th birthday celebration, during which the Navy will host numerous worldwide leadership outreach events, multilateral exercises and community engagements.

“Since most of our Navy’s assets and personnel are strategically located on the coasts, NAVCO’s outreach efforts reach Americans in cities without a high naval presence. During Navy Weeks, Americans will learn firsthand from exemplary Sailors what the Navy is like and how their Navy has promoted prosperity and security, deterred aggression and protected the American way of life for the past 250 years,” Cmdr. Julie Holland, NAVCO’s director said.

During a typical Navy Week, 50-100 Sailors interact directly with the public in approximately 75 community relations events such as volunteering at non-profits and visiting local schools. Other highlights of Navy Weeks include free live music by the U.S. Navy Band and performances by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

“Navy Weeks highlight our talented Sailors and create opportunities for public discussions on the Navy’s pivotal role in fighting for our freedoms,” said Lt. Cmdr. Miranda Williams, the Navy Week program manager. “Every day, Navy personnel are training and operating with the most advanced ships, submarines, aircraft and weapons systems to ensure they are ready to protect America’s interests around the world when called. We are excited to bring some of those talented Sailors directly to Americans during the 2025 Navy Week season.”

Over the past two decades NAVCO conducted over 300 Navy Weeks in 95 different U.S. markets.

The Navy, along with the Marine Corps are working with the cities of Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ to plan a Fleet Week-style celebration, October 9-16, 2025.  

During this celebration, Navy-Marine Corps 250 will feature a series of events and activities designed to honor our rich history and showcase the incredible skill of today’s maritime service through live demonstrations, musical performances, ships tours, static displays, and aviation events while also allowing our Sailors and Marines the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection through various community engagements.