Naval Intelligence Salutes Navy’s 250th Birthday

The U.S. Navy Memorial filled up with over 200 Naval Intelligence professionals and friends on Friday, 4 October to celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday. The reception, called “Naval Intelligence Salutes 250,” was co-sponsored by the Chief of Naval Intelligence (CNI) and NIP, and it was a tremendous success despite a last-minute venue change due to the government shutdown. 

After everyone mingled over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, NIP Chair Vice Admiral (Ret) Bob Sharp addressed the audience and spoke about the significance of the event and the integral role Naval Intelligence has played in the history of the U.S. Navy, noting that Naval Intelligence is the old intelligence service in the United States. He also acknowledged the total force represented among the attendees—Navy and Marine Corps, active duty and reserve, officer and enlisted, retired members, and civilians. “We also have our future represented here,” he said, referring to the large cohort of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen who participated and are interested in a career in Naval Intelligence. And we can’t forget some of the international partners who were there. 

Following Admiral Sharp’s remarks, the CNI, Rob Townley, spoke briefly before COMONI Rear Admiral Mike Brookes presented the Information Warfare (IW) pin to the community’s newest IW-qualified officer, Ensign Jack Stalzer. Admiral Brookes noted, with some humor, how much more rigorous the qualification process to earn the pin is today compared to when he earned it shortly after its inception in 2010.

After the pinning, the Director of Naval Intelligence (DNI) Vice Admiral Karl Thomas and Ensign Stalzer—as the oldest and youngest sailors present—took part in the traditional cake-cutting ceremony. 

Other senior guests from the intelligence community at the reception, not already mentioned, included the Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, Mr. Steve Parode, retired Vice Admiral Jake Jacoby, Rear Admiral Josh Himes and Rear Admiral Mike Friedberg on the Navy side and the Deputy Commandant for Information, Lieutenant General Jerry Carter, and the USMC Director of Intelligence, Major General Mark Cunningham, on the Marine side.

Bravo Zulu to Caitlin Justesen and the NIP planning committee of LT Ryan Meder, LT Forrest Simpson, LT Elizabeth Herington, ENS Emma Kirby, and LT Colby McLiverty for executing a fantastic event that brought an amazing group of Naval Intelligence professionals together to celebrate the Navy’s birthday. 

Happy Birthday, Navy!

All photos from the event can be viewed here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VhyZ3UbhKKaMxzvw6JSZ60vSBCzLJDtz?usp=sharing

NIP Chair VADM (Ret) Bob Sharp welcomed the guests.

COMONI RADM Mike Brookes presents the IW pin to ENS Jack Stalzer.

Director of Naval Intelligence VADM Karl Thomas cuts the traditional birthday cake with ENS Stalzer.