Morris County Salutes the Navy on Its 250th Anniversary
Published on October 10, 2025
Marking a Quarter Millennium of Courage at Sea
Morris County joins the nation today, Oct. 13, 2025, in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, honoring generations of sailors whose service and sacrifice have protected America from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
In the summer of 1775, as the colonies braced for war, Rhode Island’s delegates to the Continental Congress petitioned for “a fleet of sufficient force for the protection of these colonies.” Recognizing the need for a unified naval defense, on Oct. 13, 1775, Congress authorized the purchase of two armed vessels to intercept British supply ships -- establishing the Continental Navy, later known as the “Old Navy.”
On Dec. 3 1775, the USS Alfred, one of the Navy’s first ships, was laid down in Philadelphia. First Lieutenant John Paul Jones raised the Grand Union flag -- the first national flag flown by an American warship -- signifying the formal beginning of the nation’s naval service in America’s fight for independence. Jones would later become known as the “Father of the American Navy.”
From those humble beginnings grew what is now recognized as the most powerful naval force in the world.
“Since its founding, men and women from Morris County have proudly served in the Navy, with many making the ultimate sacrifice,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo. “We remain grateful for the Navy’s centuries of service and honor the many sailors from Morris County who have defended our nation at sea. Our county has, and always will, continue to stand with all veterans and their families.”
Morris County men and women have served with valor and honor across every era of naval history -- from wooden warships and ironclads to submarines and naval aviation. Among them were sailors aboard the USS Juneau during World War II. In 1942, the ship was lost at the Battle of Guadalcanal, claiming the lives of five sailors from Morris County.
The wreckage of the Juneau was located in March 2018. That spring, a moment of silence was held in the crew’s honor during Morris County’s annual Memorial Day observance ceremony.
“The Navy’s birthday is special to me because of all my family and friends that served and are currently serving. The freedom we enjoy today is due to their sacrifices and contributions. My Grandfather, Robert Allen from Madison, served aboard the destroyer USS Buchanan in the Pacific during WWII as a Helmsman. The stories he shared will never be forgotten. As equally important is the work being performed today by my active-duty niece which positively affects service members, emergency responders and civilians,” said Joseph Barilla, director of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation.
Among the county’s earliest naval stories are children as young as 10 who served in the War of 1812. Known as “powder monkeys,” they carried gunpowder to cannons during battle, often under enemy fire. One of them, Samuel Dudley “S. Dudley” Wood of Hanover and Randolph, began his service as a “boy on Gunboat 107.” He later lived in Morris County until his death in 1889 and is buried in the Orchard Street Cemetery in Dover, N.J.
Another poignant local story is that of Lester Edward Mickens, a Butler native and World War I Navy veteran whose 1986 homicide remains unsolved. Born in 1896, Mickens served in the Navy’s sub chaser unit and was well known in Kinnelon for calling square dances and sharing stories of his wartime service. He served as grand marshal of Kinnelon’s Memorial Day parade in 1983. Anyone with information about his case is urged to contact Morris County Crime Stoppers at 973-267-2255 and reference MCPO Case No. 1997x-001564.
“I consider the Morris County Veterans Compendium one of the most historically valuable projects in the Planning and Preservation office. Peter Chipko, a WWII Navy veteran, inspired the project. Wishing the United States Navy a very happy birthday. ‘Non-Sibi Sed Patriae:’ Not for self, for country,” said Jan Williams, cultural and historic resources specialist with the Office of Planning and Preservation.
Last year, Morris County welcomed members of the USS New Jersey crew as part of the ship’s historic return to service. Eight crew members -- four men and four women -- met with Commissioners Christine Myers and John Krickus, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, for a tour of the Morristown Green and Washington’s Headquarters, connecting New Jersey’s modern naval service with its Revolutionary roots.
Across centuries, Morris County residents have answered the call to defend freedom at sea. Today, Morris County proudly congratulates the United States Navy on its 250th birthday and expresses gratitude to all sailors, past and present. Semper Fortis.
Morris County’s commemoration of the Navy’s 250th anniversary is part of ongoing Morris County 250th Anniversary celebrations honoring the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. The Navy’s founding was a direct result of the American Revolution, and the county continues to highlight the stories of local residents who helped shape the birth of the nation.
For more information about local veterans’ history, visit the Morris County Veterans Compendium, coordinated through the Office of the Planning and Preservation.
Veterans may also apply for a Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal by visiting the official website of Morris County, N.J.: morriscountynj.gov.
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Photo 1: Official U.S. Navy 250th logo.
Photo 2: The USS Juneau during World War II. In 1942, the ship was lost at the Battle of Guadalcanal, claiming the lives of five sailors from Morris County.
Photo 3: First Lieutenant John Paul Jones, the “Father of the American Navy.”
Photo 4: Lester Edward Mickens, a Butler native and World War I Navy veteran whose 1986 homicide remains unsolved.