13 October 2020 Calabash, N. C.- More than a dozen United States Navy veterans, family and friends gathered at the Calabash Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7288 on Oct. 13 to celebrate the Navy's 245th birthday. Veterans gathered around the birthday cake to hear a short history of the Navy read by Lt.Cdr. (ret) Jim Milstead, a message from the Chief of Naval Operations read by Post Chaplain Eric Johnson, a moment of silence for their departed comrades, and the singing of the Navy Hymn lead by Auxiliary Chaplain Cathy Milstead. After the ceremonial cutting of the cake, a buffet was offered to those in attendance.