The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army 1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo

Honoring Army 1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo who selflessly sacrificed his life ten years ago today in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Hitting the Beach in Iwo Jima

On 19 February 1945, Marines hit the beach at Iwo Jima. This photo was taken during one of the initial waves on the 19th showing Marines inbound, with only Mount Suribachi visible in front of them as they move towards one of the great meat grinders of the Pacific War.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring the United States Navy

Founded on October 13th, 1775 as the Continental Navy to fight the Revolutionary War, the United States Navy is the largest and most well-equipped Navy in the entire world. Over 245 years have passed since its’ founding, the US government officially recognized the United States Navy by its current name on June 3rd, 1784 to replace the disbanded Continental Navy.

Along with being the 3rd largest Air Force in the world with its aerial fleet, the US Navy also has the worlds’ largest aircraft carrier fleet, with 11 active carriers in-service and 2 more under construction.

There are nearly 20 million Veterans of the United States Military with U.S. Navy Veterans making up a large portion of that number. The US Navy has been involved in nearly every major conflict the United States has fought in dating back to the founding of our country, to include the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War 1, World War 2, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan, and the GWOT (Global War on Terrorism).