MCPON Sends Supply Corps Birthday Message

By Special from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Supply Corps birthday message to the Fleet Feb 23.

"Shipmates,

For 216 years, our Navy Supply Corps has delivered sustained global logistics capabilities to the Navy and joint warfighter enabling our Navy to be the Global Force for Good at the tactical, operational and strategic level.

As one of the oldest staff corps in the Navy, the Supply Corps' rich and proud history began Feb. 23, 1795, when President George Washington appointed Tench Francis, a Philadelphia businessman, as the country's first Purveyor of Public Supplies. Francis unified a group of independent pursers under a single organization, which eventually became the Navy Supply Corps and since then, the supply corps community consisting of officers, Sailors and civilians, has given their dedication and steadfast support significantly contributing to the successes of our great Navy.

It is my belief that on board any command, morale rests in the hands of those in the Supply Department, whether you are delivering a much needed part, supplying items within the ship's store, or preparing the meals for our Warriors, your actions can single-handily set the tone for morale within your command and our Navy.

To the more than 3,500 active and Reserve component Supply Corps officers and the more than 19,000 supply community enlisted personnel including logistics specialists, ships' servicemen, and culinary specialists, and those Sailors and officers currently serving in harm's way, thank you for what you do every day and for your continued service and dedication to our nation and our Navy.

Happy Birthday Supply Corps!

HOOYAH!

Very Respectfully,

MCPON"

For more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/.

This article was sponsored by Navy Books.