Navy Warfare Development Center Celebrates U.S. Navy's 250th Birthday with Traditional Cake Cutting Ceremony
09 October 2025
Norfolk, Va. --
Navy Warfare Development Center (NWDC) commemorated a momentous occasion on October 9, 2025, as the U.S. Navy celebrated its 250th anniversary. The event, hosted by U.S. Navy Captain Samantha Dutily, Chief of Staff at NWDC, took place at NWDC and brought together a gathering of Navy personnel to honor two and a half centuries of service, tradition, and innovation.
The highlight of the celebration was a traditional cake-cutting ceremony, a Navy tradition symbolizing the connection between junior Sailors and senior officers. Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Caycee Dawley, the most junior Sailor present, had the honor of sharing the ceremonial cut with U.S. Navy Captain Douglas Pegher, one of the Navy’s senior leaders. This ritual underscores the Navy’s commitment to both honoring its past and looking ahead to its future.
In her remarks, Capt. Dutily reflected on the incredible legacy of the Navy, its achievements over the past 250 years, and the critical role of NWDC in shaping its future. “Today, we stand united in celebrating our Navy's remarkable history,” Dutily said. “But as we look back on 250 years of tradition and excellence, we must also look forward to the next 250 years, ensuring we continue to innovate and remain prepared for the challenges ahead.”
As Chief of Staff at NWDC, Capt. Dutily oversees efforts to advance the Navy’s warfighting capabilities through cutting-edge research, strategy development, and technological innovation. She emphasized that while the Navy’s past is rich with history, the Navy’s future depends on the continued evolution of naval warfare concepts and operational readiness.
The event not only honored the Navy’s traditions but also showcased its forward-thinking approach to modernizing and strengthening its naval forces. With NWDC’s pivotal role in developing new tactics and technologies for the Navy, the anniversary celebration underscored the importance of maintaining maritime superiority in an increasingly complex global security environment.
For LS2 Dawley, being part of the anniversary celebration was an unforgettable experience. “It’s humbling to be part of something so significant,” Dawley said after participating in the cake cutting. “It’s a reminder of the strength of the Navy and the deep pride we all share in serving.”
The ceremony was attended by numerous Navy leaders, personnel, and members of the local community, all joining together to honor the past, present, and future of the U.S. Navy. After the cake cutting, the celebration continued with reflections on the Navy’s enduring values of honor, courage, and commitment, as well as its vital role in safeguarding global freedom.
With the 250th anniversary marking a significant chapter in naval history, the Navy stands poised to continue its legacy of service and innovation. Navy Warfare Development Center remains a key player in ensuring the Navy stays at the forefront of modern warfare, ready to meet the challenges of the next 250 years.