Baltimore Celebrates Navy Reserve Centennial

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Hurd, Defense Media Activity

BALTIMORE (NNS) -- Civilians, active-duty Sailors and Navy reservists gathered for a ceremony June 13 at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater in Baltimore to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the United States Navy Reserve.

The public event, presented by Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Baltimore, included small-craft tours, performances by the U.S. Navy's Ceremonial Band and Ceremonial Guard drill team, as well as a live performance by local award-winning musician Tom McBride.

The event also featured a number of guest speakers, including Rear Adm. Thomas W. Luscher, deputy chief of Navy Reserve.

"For 100 years, the Navy Reserve's citizen Sailors have been part of something larger than themselves, supporting our Navy and strengthening the fabric of the force," said Luscher. "To the 3,600 Navy Reserve Sailors who call Maryland home and the almost 900 that serve here at NOSC Baltimore, I am so very fortunate to serve alongside you. Your selfless service epitomizes our Navy Reserve Centennial motto, 'Ready Then, Ready Now, Ready Always.'"

Retired Navy admiral and Baltimore native John Harvey was also on hand for the ceremony to give his thoughts.

While expressing his views on the reserve, Harvey said they are "a presence constantly in our Navy, but when called upon to exert themselves in the most important evolutions and deployments and missions available, they were right up there at the front leading the way."

Looking out into the crowd, he made a plea.

"For the rest of us who are on the sidelines watching these men and women do their jobs we need to recognize the very different demands on the reservists and we need to support them as they have made the decision to support our nation," he said.

Several Navy reservists were in the crowd to watch the ceremony, giving them an opportunity to reflect on what being a part of the Navy Reserve has meant to them.

"One of the most rewarding things for me is when I'm in uniform out in public or coming home from work, every now and then someone will say, 'Thank you for your service,' or they will acknowledge you in uniform, and it makes you feel good," said Cryptologic Technician (Networks) Seaman Daniel Lopezdevictoria, a member of the operational support unit with NOSC Baltimore. "It makes you feel like, I'm not just doing some job, but I'm actually making a difference for my country."

As the Navy Reserve heads into its next hundred years, Harvey added, the world continues to change and conflicts continue to arise.

That is why "reservists are in high demand, and will remain in high demand for years to come," he explained. "Because the Navy Reserve continues to live up to its motto."

The service officially marked its 100th anniversary March 3, but continues its yearlong celebration tour at locations around the country. The tour is designed to spread awareness about the Navy Reserve and the integral role it plays in the safety of the United States.