October 13 marks a major military milestone: the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday. It’s the perfect time to honor the sailors and U.S. veterans who proudly served in the Navy.
Tens of thousands of Navy sailors have given their lives to protect our country. In addition, many older U.S. Navy veterans now suffer from health issues like mesothelioma due to the widespread use of asbestos in the military.
From the 1930s to the early 1980s, the U.S. Navy mandated the use of asbestos products to keep ships fireproof and durable. However, those serving in the Navy and other branches of the military didn’t know asbestos was dangerous, as manufacturers hid the health risks.
Learn more about the U.S. Navy birthday celebrations and how you can support veterans with mesothelioma this October.
Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy: 250 Years of Excellence
The theme for 2025’s Navy Birthday is “250 Years of Defending Freedom, Protecting Prosperity,” highlighting this branch’s crucial role in protecting America’s freedoms since its founding in 1775.
Celebrations of this major milestone have been ongoing throughout the year, with October serving as the culmination, featuring events such as balls, ship tours, parades, and many more.
For this year’s Navy Birthday, we encourage everyone to support the sailors and veterans who chose this dangerous yet rewarding life.
In particular, if you’re a U.S. veteran with mesothelioma, we’re ready to support you. Our team can help you access benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), top treatments, and compensation to cover any expenses.
Download our Free Veterans Compensation Guide to explore your options after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
When is the Navy’s Birthday?
The birthday of the Navy is celebrated on October 13, since this date marks the creation of the Continental Navy.
On October 13, 1775, early in the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress approved the purchase of two ships to attack British supply vessels. The Continental Navy evolved after the war, laying the groundwork for the Navy as we know it today.
“Without a decisive naval force, we can do nothing definitive. And with it, everything honorable and glorious.”
– President George Washington
We observe the U.S. Navy Birthday on October 13 to honor that crucial moment in history and to recognize the sacrifices of all who have served in the Navy since its founding.
How You Can Salute Veterans & Sailors for Navy Birthday 2025
Active duty service members, reservists, veterans, and their families can all participate in the 250th U.S. Navy Birthday festivities this year.
A common way to celebrate is attending a U.S. Navy Birthday Ball. Several Navy Birthday Balls are held at different locations throughout the country, such as Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
The Navy Birthday Balls include:
- Bell ringing
- Cake cutting
- Reading of the CNO birthday message
- Singing of “Anchors Aweigh”
Many Navy Birthday Balls are organized around the first few weeks of October. You can reach out to local military or veterans groups to find a ball or dinner near you.
Find Local Navy Celebrations
The 250th U.S. Navy birthday is a nationwide celebration, with events planned all over the country.
For instance, cities across the country are hosting many activities between October 9th and 15th, 2025, to honor the birthdays of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. These include ceremonies, tours of historic vessels, and a parade of ships.
Other U.S. Navy Birthday events include:
- Air shows
- Fitness events
- Luncheons
- Navy Band performances
- Navy Color Guard
- Parades
- Speeches
- Tours of Navy bases and ships
- Walks and races
Connect with local Navy branches or veterans organizations to see which events are happening in your area.
Show Your Support on Social Media
Another way to celebrate U.S. Navy Day is to take photos and share them online. A simple post with a Navy hashtag and a photo of your pet or loved one can help raise awareness.
Some hashtags you can use on U.S. Navy Day include #NavyDay, #NavyVeterans, #SupportOurTroops, and #Navy250.
Supporting Navy Veterans With Mesothelioma
Besides the threats of war, many Navy veterans who served decades ago faced a hidden danger: asbestos.
As the only known cause of mesothelioma, asbestos has caused cancer in many who worked with or near it before the early 1980s. Anyone who breathed in or swallowed asbestos fibers released from materials like ship insulation and boilers may have been exposed.
Navy veterans were particularly affected by asbestos exposure. In fact, one in three mesothelioma patients served in the U.S. military.
“I asked them what the material was made out of, and they told me asbestos. Nobody ever said anything about it being dangerous.’”
How Were Navy Veterans Exposed to Asbestos?
The U.S. Navy built its ships, vehicles, and bases with asbestos before the health risks were understood by the general public. Notably, every U.S. Navy ship built between the 1930s and the early 1980s had asbestos-containing materials aboard due to government mandates.
Some Navy ships that used asbestos included:
Manufacturers of asbestos products hid the health risks of asbestos for decades to make huge profits. By the time the dangers became publicly known, thousands of Navy personnel had already been exposed.
While asbestos is no longer used by the military, many older veterans are still in danger today since mesothelioma develops 10-50 years or more after exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible for VA benefits and legal compensation. Download our Veterans Compensation Guide to learn more.
Diagnosed With Mesothelioma? We Can Help You
On the U.S. Navy’s birthday and throughout the year, Mesothelioma Hope stands ready to assist veterans, civilians, and families affected by this cancer.
You didn’t deserve to develop a serious cancer like mesothelioma from serving your country, but we’re here to support you and your loved ones through your diagnosis.
Our team can help you access:
- The best mesothelioma doctors and treatments
- Compensation from asbestos trust funds ($30 billion available)
- Legal payouts worth $1 million+ on average
- VA benefits worth $4,044.91 a month
Our VA-accredited attorneys and Patient Advocates are dedicated to helping veterans just like you, and can answer any questions you have.
Download our ree Veterans Compensation Guide to get started or call (866) 608-8933 to speak with our team.
