U.S. Navy photo byJeron Hayes U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman enjoys dinner at the Dahlgren Navy Birthday Ball, celebrating the Navy's 234th birthday.

The Navy Birthday Ball, hosted this year by the Aegis Training and Readiness Center command, was themed ‘‘Navy: Past, Present and Future” and included historic displays and photos of the missions at Dahlgren and Indian Head.

Lt. Eric Malmstrom, Chaplain, Naval Support Activity South Potomac, began the opening ceremony with words of encouragement for attendees.

Referencing new promotional advertisements for the Navy, Malmstrom said that in the ads, ‘‘the Navy repeats the theme of being called to serve in a global force for good. As a Chaplain and as a Christian, I must ask the question, called by whom? As for me, I can say that I am called by my country to support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, but more importantly, I am called by God. I am called to stand in a long line of Chaplains who have cared for the men and women of our sea services.”

Capt. Catie Hanft, Commander, Naval Support Activity South Potomac, read the Navy Birthday address issued by the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead.

Reminding the crowd of the Navy’s beginnings when the Continental Congress commissioned two armed vessels to intercept ships carrying supplies to the British Army in 1775, ‘‘it was a courageous and bold decision for the colonies, which would eventually lead to victory in our war for independence and the creation of our Navy. 234 years later, because of you, your families and all our shipmates who have gone before us, America’s Navy continues to build on our legacy of service and tradition of being a ‘global force for good,’ a legacy which continues to be unmatched in the history of the world.”

Capt. Russell Haas, Commander, Aegis Training and Readiness Center, introduced the evening’s guest speaker Congressman Rob Wittman (R-Va).

Wittman told the crowd he was humbled to be in the room with ‘‘the nation’s finest, and the civilians that give them such great support.” He referenced the many visits he’s made to Iraq and Afghanistan, and said he’s witnessed first hand the Navy’s continued call for honor, courage and commitment.

Speaking of the recently-deceased Adm. Wayne Meyer, the ‘‘Father of the Aegis Weapons System,” Wittman said that Meyer had attended many ship commissioning ceremonies until his death. The most recent ceremony, the first he’d missed since 1986, was to commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Wayne E. Meyer.

Wittman advised that Aegis ships ‘‘continue to provide superior air defense” in seas around the world. ‘‘It’s the skill and talents of the people in this room that make it a success,” said Wittman.

The ceremony also included the traditional POW⁄MIA Remembrance Ceremony, port wine toasts to the Commander in Chief and all branches of the service, as well as the tradition of the oldest and youngest Sailor cutting the Navy birthday cake.

Dinner and dancing followed, with attendees enjoying the festivities into the wee hours of the morning.