Editor’s Note: Each year, the various veterans’ posts in Livingston submit a piece for publication about a particular branch of the armed forces in preparation for the Memorial Day Parade. The Jewish War Veterans of the USA Post 740, named for the late Dan Michelson, this week submitted an article by Stephanie Rudy, U.S. Navy, ret.On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the purchase of two vessels to be armed for a cruise against British merchantmen, thus creating the Continental Navy which is considered the first establishment of the U.S. Navy. In 1972, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt authorized the Navy to celebrate its birthday on October 13 in honor of the establishment of the Continental Navy in 1775.The Unites States Navy is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Services. It is also the most powerful and largest navy worldwide.The U.S. Navy originated during the American Revolutionary War and was disbanded afterward as a separate entity. It was re-established by the Naval Act of 1794 to fight the Barbary pirates, and has remained an active service arm ever since.It played a significant role in the Civil War and was instrumental during World War II, carrying U.S. forces throughout the Pacific to defeat Japan. Today, in the 21st Century, the U.S. Navy continues to have an extensive global presence in the Western Pacific, the Middle East, and indeed the world’s oceans. It is part of the Department of the Navy, which also includes the U.S. Marine Corps.I was born and raised in Livingston and, inspired by its history and traditions, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1986. I took basic training in Orlando, Florida, and went to Radioman A School in San Diego. I was deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, and from there to Naval Air Station, Puerto Rico. I completed active duty after just under five years’ service and remained in the active reserves for the next 16 years retiring in 2008 as an Information Systems Technician Second Class. My time in the U.S. Navy was rewarding and gave me the opportunity to serve our country with wonderful people.I am a member of the Dan Michelson Post 740 of the Jewish War Veterans in Livingston and serve as Post Chaplain. I am also a member of the American Legion Post 201 and the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association.
