On October 13, the United States Navy will celebrate its 250th birthday since its formation by the Continental Congress in 1775. In those days, the U.S.Navy’s goal was to challenge British naval forces and interrupt trade. The Continental Congress bought a number of ships to use for that purpose, and had them sail alone or in pairs.
Over the past several decades, the U.S. Navy has seen a number of important innovations in naval combat and equipment. These include the first successful submarine in 1898, the purchase of the first naval aircraft in 1911, and the first aircraft carrier in 1927. But the U.S. Navy doesn’t only deal in matters of national defense.
This branch of our armed forces also provides critical humanitarian aid and disaster relief, like supporting FEMA in the aftermath of hurricanes by helping to treat patients and engaging in search and rescue operations.
As a veteran-founded mesothelioma law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy is proud to celebrate the U.S. Navy birthday in 2025, helping to recognize the struggles our veterans face and provide support after service.
Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy: Celebrating 250 Years
On October 13, 2025, the U.S. Navy celebrates its 250th birthday — marking two and a half centuries of courage, commitment, and service to our nation. From defending our shores in 1775 to safeguarding freedom across the globe today, the U.S. Navy’s legacy is one of honor and resilience.
This milestone is a time not only to reflect on the U.S. Navy’s proud history but also to show appreciation for those who have served and continue to serve.
There are many ways to celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday and pay tribute to our Sailors, veterans, and their families:
- Thank a Sailor or U.S. Navy Veteran: A simple thank-you, card, or message of appreciation goes a long way in recognizing their service and sacrifice.
- Attend a Local or Virtual U.S. Navy Birthday Event: Many bases, museums, and veterans’ organizations host celebrations, parades, and remembrance ceremonies.
- Support U.S. Navy Charities and Veteran Organizations: Donate to groups that assist active-duty Sailors, U.S. Navy families, or veterans transitioning to civilian life.
- Share U.S. Navy History: Post stories, photos, or memories on social media to honor the Navy’s 250-year legacy and inspire others to learn more.
- Fly the U.S. or Navy Flag: Displaying the flag is a simple but powerful gesture of patriotism and gratitude.
- Volunteer Your Time: Offer to help at local VA centers, veterans’ homes, or community events that support service members.
- Connect with a U.S. Navy Family: Send a care package, write a note, or simply reach out to show your support and appreciation.
To celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy, there will be a parade and Blue Angels flyover in Philadelphia to bring together the community and commemorate the occasion.
The U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday reminds us that freedom is safeguarded by the dedication and sacrifices of those who serve at sea and ashore. However you choose to celebrate, take a moment to honor their legacy — and the enduring spirit of the U.S. Navy.
Dangers Don’t End with Combat
While many Americans understand the important role our military personnel play in wartime, peacekeeping, and natural disaster relief, most do not realize the hidden health risks many military personnel encounter during their career. One such risk is possible exposure to asbestos, which can result in mesothelioma, a lethal form of cancer.
Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which become lodged in the pleural lining of the lungs. This disease is particularly aggressive and doesn’t have a cure. To complicate matters further, it often does not appear until decades after asbestos exposure, which means many U.S. Navy veterans aren’t diagnosed until 40 or 50 years after their service.
Asbestos has very good fireproofing properties, which is why it was widely used as a building and insulation material before the mid-1970s. After that time, its hazardous nature became more widely publicized. By the time the dangers of asbestos were public knowledge, thousands of military personnel had already been exposed to the deadly mineral for decades.
The Quiet Epidemic: Asbestos Exposure & Mesothelioma
Around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. While the cancer may take decades to show symptoms, it spreads quickly once they become apparent. Mesothelioma victims may only live for a few months following their diagnosis, since the disease is generally found in its late stages.
Members of the U.S. Navy face a higher chance of exposure than most, because asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding for insulation, fireproofing, sound and vibration dampening throughout the vessel. As a result, U.S. Navy members who have participated in ship repairs and who worked in shipyards are particularly vulnerable to developing mesothelioma.
While veterans represent 8% of the entire United States population, 33% of all mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure on U.S. Navy ships or at shipyards.
“When I went aboard the ship, that’s when I found out that it was asbestos in the products. Gasket material and the packing nectar that goes around the stem and valves and stuff, it’s all asbestos.”
– Walter, U.S. Navy Veteran with Mesothelioma
Honoring Their Service, Protecting Their Health on U.S. Navy Birthday 2025
On the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday, it’s important that we recognize those who have served, not only for their hard work, but for the unseen hazards they have faced in the line of duty. We must all become a voice for our veterans and call for the dangers of asbestos to be recognized — especially during a time when many would still like to ignore or deny those hazards.
Just as our U.S. Navy veterans worked to protect our safety and well-being, we owe them a debt to advocate for theirs. Our mesothelioma attorneys are committed to fighting for veterans impacted by asbestos-related diseases and helping them secure the justice they deserve.
“Our law firm has represented over 3,600 veterans, and we’ve employed staff who have served across all of the U.S. Armed Forces,” explains John Simmons, chairman of the firm and a proud veteran. “We’ve had attorneys in the Marine Corps, linguists who served in the Air Force, machinists who served in the Navy, and nurses who served in the Army.”
On this milestone birthday, we encourage you to personally thank a veteran or an armed service member for their hard work and sacrifice, or look into volunteer opportunities in your community.
Above all, let your voice be heard. We celebrate the U.S. Navy and our veterans every year, and still they face incredible turmoil, whether it be through the VA system, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or rare diseases such as mesothelioma. Get involved by sharing and liking this post and by using your words and actions to advocate for the members of our armed services.
If you or a loved one served in the military and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma, we may be able to help. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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