Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Today is National Navy Day. The annual observance honors everyone who serves or has served in the United States Navy. The Gulf Coast region has deep ties to the Navy. NAS Pensacola ranks among the Navy's most historic installations.

The Navy observes National Navy Day on October 27. The date honors President Theodore Roosevelt, born October 27, 1858. Roosevelt served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and advocated for a stronger U.S. fleet.

The Navy League of the United States first established the observance in 1922. Since then, communities and military installations nationwide have commemorated the day with ceremonies, public events, and reflections on naval service.

NAS Pensacola has served as the Navy's primary aviation training hub for more than a century. It earned the nickname "Cradle of Naval Aviation" for producing generations of naval aviators.

The installation was formally established on January 31, 1914, making it 112 years old this year. Its origins trace back to the Pensacola Navy Yard, founded in 1826. The Navy Yard's founding laid the groundwork for one of the country's most important military training facilities, and thousands of sailors and aviators have trained there since.

NAS Pensacola continues today to train the next generation of naval officers and enlisted personnel. The installation is also home to the Navy's official flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels.

The Blue Angels perform at air shows nationwide each year, drawing large crowds to Gulf Coast events and beyond. Their presence at NAS Pensacola underscores the installation's deep ties to the surrounding region.

The Gulf Coast is home to many active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Installations, community centers, and veterans' organizations across the region may host events to mark National Navy Day.

National Navy Day gives civilians and veterans a chance to reflect on Navy service members' contributions. Those who wish to mark the occasion are encouraged to attend local observances or thank a sailor or veteran in their community.