LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Centennial of the United States
Navy Reserve

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organiza-
tions which give positive definition to the profile and disposition of
the American Armed Forces, and those who have helped them, do so
profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of freedom;
and
WHEREAS, The Naval Appropriation Act of 1916, dated March 3, 1915,
established a United States Naval Reserve; and
WHEREAS, It was stated in the document "There is hereby established a
United States Naval Reserve, which shall consist of citizens of the
United States who have been or may be entitled to be honorably
discharged from the Navy after not less than one four-year term of
enlistment or after a term of enlistment during minority. The naval
reserve shall be organized under the Bureau of Navigation and shall be
governed by the Article for Government of the Navy and by the Naval
Regulations and instructions;" and
WHEREAS, Prior to the enactment of the Naval Appropriation Act, State
Naval Militias represented the Navy's manpower reserve; they demon-
strated their capabilities during the Spanish-American War when they
assisted in coastal defense and served aboard ships; the four auxiliary
cruisers were manned from militia then from Massachusetts, New York,
Michigan, and Maryland, seeing action off Cuba; and
WHEREAS, The success of the State Naval Militias in the Spanish-Ameri-
can War made the United States a world power; the outbreak of World War
I in 1914 demonstrated that a modern war at sea required a federal naval
reserve force; and
WHEREAS, Secretary of the Navy, Josephus Daniels and his Assistant, a
New Yorker named Franklin D. Roosevelt, launched a campaign in Congress
to appropriate funding for such a force; and
WHEREAS, Navy reservists serve as a highly trained force available to
meet the expanding needs of the Active Duty Navy; and
WHEREAS, Navy reservists must meet the same qualifications as those on
active duty; and
WHEREAS, Reservists provide the vital skills necessary to maintain
national security and support of our nation's interests worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Navy reservists serve side by side with the active duty coun-
terparts on station, on shore, in the air, at sea and on the drill deck;
the role and responsibilities of reservists factor heavily into the role
of the United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Navy Reserve is to deliver strategic depth
and operational capability to the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint Forces;
and
WHEREAS, The vision of the Navy Reserve provides essential naval war
fighting capabilities and expertise, strategically aligned with mission
requirements, valued for readiness, innovation and agility; and
WHEREAS, Vice Admiral Robin R. Braun is the current Chief of Navy
Reserve (CNR); born in Pensacola, Florida, the Admiral was commissioned
in 1980 and designated a Naval aviator in February of 1981; she has
accumulated 5,800 flight hours on Navy aircraft; among her many awards
include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; and
WHEREAS, The Official logo for the Centennial is Ready Then, Ready Now
and Ready Always; and

WHEREAS, Many New Yorkers have served with honor and distinction in
the United States Navy Reserve during times of both war and of peace;
and
WHEREAS, There will be celebrations nationwide including a year-long
exhibit running from April 2015 to April 2016 at the US Navy Memorial;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate 100th Anniversary of the United States Navy Reserve, and to
commend its tradition of excellence in the men and women who have served
as reservists in the protection of this nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Vice Admiral Robin R. Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve (CNR).