Oklahoma joins the nation in honoring the U.S. Navy’s proud heritage at a ball rich with tradition and camaraderie.
Men and women in Dinner Dress Blues. Dresses and gowns. Fine dining, toasts, speeches – and best of all, camaraderie. These hallmarks of naval tradition were on full display at the 250th United States Navy Birthday Ball at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on October 4. Jointly organized by the Navy League Oklahoma City Council, Strategic Communications Wing One (SCW-1), and the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, it was a fine gala attended by 464 people.
During the social hour, active duty sailors reflected on what makes the Navy a strong service. Lieutenant Commander Paul Mobley said, “Some of our youngest sailors have to live and work in some of the most hazardous environments, like ships, and still manage to operate with exceptional discipline.” Petty Officer First Class Johnson Romero, with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3, added that success depends on “keeping people stable – sailors and their families – so they can concentrate on their mission.” Both offered clear examples why the U.S. Navy remains a first-rate force.
After presenting the Colors, playing the National Anthem (by harpist Maylynn Heykens), and paying respects to the POW/MIA Table, guests watched as the Navy’s birthday cake was cut. Michael Koiber, President of the Navy League, provided opening remarks. He read a proclamation from Senator James Lankford: “For 250 years, the men and women of the United States Navy have been at the forefront of our nation’s defense. Thank you for defending freedom and protecting prosperity.”
Captain David Gardner, Commodore of SCW-1, recognized distinguished visitors and thanked many people for organizing and holding the celebration, including Shaina Bennett, President of the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, Navy League, and SCW-1 protocol team members Bob Holland, Jeff Bottoms, and MA1’s Lauren Green and Lisa Kolivoski.
Gardner introduced the night’s keynote speaker, Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic, who retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve after a 34-year career (promoting from E-1 to O-8). His distinguished career included commanding four units and serving in combat deployments to Vietnam, First Gulf War, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His later became Acting Under Secretary and the 18th Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
Slavonic’s interesting speech highlighted the Navy’s global mission and Oklahoma’s lasting contributions to it. To illustrate how closely nations are tied to the World Ocean, he explained the “70-80-90 rule.” “First, 70% of the Earth is covered by water. Second, about 80% of the world’s population lives within a hundred miles of the world’s global commons…” and 147 of 200 nations border an ocean or a sea, and third, “more than 90% of international trade…travels via the sea…” and 90% of global internet traffic passes through undersea fiber optic cables.
After mentioning China and Russia as challenges, he stated, “With some 330,000 active duty members, nearly 60,000 reservists and nearly a quarter million civilians, today’s Navy has nearly 300 ships and thousands of aircraft on any given day” to deter and if needed, defeat enemy aggression.
The Admiral paid tribute to Oklahoma’s naval legacy. “Foremost, of course, is the USS Oklahoma battleship (BBB 37), which was sunk by the Japanese Navy during the attack on Pearl Harbor with the loss of 429 sailors and Marines.” He added, “There are about 30 ships which have names of cities, counties here in Oklahoma and…we’ve got about four ships, USNS ships that bear tribal names.” The USS Oklahoma (SSN 802), a Virginia Class nuclear powered attack submarine, will be christened in the spring of 2026.
Finally, Slavonic highlighted Oklahomans who provided careers and lives to the Navy. Included were Admiral Mark Mitchner who “commanded the Hornet in the Battle of Midway”; U.S. Marine Corps Major Kenneth Bailey, “a Pawnee, who was killed in action…while leading an attack on the island of Guadalcanal…”; Commander Ernest Evans of the USS Johnston, hero of the Battle of Leyte Gulf; Admiral Joseph Jocko Clark, who commanded aircraft carriers; and Admiral John Kirkpatrick.
To close the event, Kloiber returned to the stage and thanked Admiral Slavonic and corporate sponsors Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and others for a successful night. Guests received a distinctive, three-inch commemorative challenge coin. Toasts to each military service were made given and then couples danced to music.
Kloiber was pleased with the night’s success, citing the size of the crowd, good food and phenomenal event center.
A toast to you, U.S. Navy-for 250 years of defending freedom and sailing strong.
Click the link for more information about SCW-1 or go online to Strategic Communications Wing 1. or use your camera to scan the code below • Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFER. See Rich Travel Niche
