Chaps' Tent: Saluting the long, illustrious history of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps

Daily Commercial
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Lots of celebrating going on this time of the year, e.g. veterans, Thanksgiving, and soon, Christmas and the new year. Please note from this retired Navy chaplain, last week (28 November), was the 246th anniversary of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps. Ahoy, chaplains! Chaplain Haines salutes you all.

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The Chaplain Corps dates back to the early months of the American Revolution. On 13 October 1775, the Continental Congress established the Continental Navy. On 28 November 1775, the Congress established regulations to govern the new Continental Navy. Article II directed captains to provide for religious services aboard their ships. This date is regarded as the anniversary date of the Navy Chaplain Corps.

For 246 years, Navy Chaplains have been called upon to serve the men and women of our Sea Services. Aboard ship and shore, in peacetime and war, good times and bad, Navy chaplains have been there to provide ministry, counseling, and solace for sea service personnel, and their families, in countless places around the globe.

Bob Haines
Bob Haines

Chaplains of the Navy have provided ministry and guidance in many ways to the men and woman of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard throughout the world. Though I never had the opportunity to serve with the Coast Guard, I served four Navy units and four Marine Corps units, including deployed at sea with an amphibious unit aboard ship, and combat duty.

My predecessors and me have always been along side our Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel, and those that follow us always will. Happy Birthday, Chaplains! CHAPS OUT!

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Saluting the long, illustrious history of the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps