Adm. James Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, and Naval History and Heritage Command Director Samuel J. Cox, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, cut a cake in honor of the Navy's 249th birthday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the National Museum of the United States Navy. The theme of the Navy's 249th birthday is "Warfighting Strength and Readiness", which highlights the Navy's focus on viewing decisions through a warfighting lens to deliver decisive combat power. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abigayle Lutz)