Standing the Watch for Your Navy and You

August 2010 Navy

by Aaron Bresnahan

I am a big fan of books that chronicle our early Republic. A few weeks ago, I was visiting a used book store and found some interesting historical gems. The dusty shelves where filled with tattered books and torn pamphlets, but my quest was rewarded with a few books on the age of sail, a history of the War of 1812, and another feature on voyages of discovery. While scanning the shelves, I also came across an item that I didn’t expect to find. It was a worn copy of the Bluejacket’s Manual. I thought to myself, “Wow, how did this get here?”

Many a young recruit entering the Navy has learned the practices, customs, and traditions of our great Naval Force through this seminal book. In fact, since 1902 most Sailors have referred to the Bluejacket’s Manual as the enlisted man’s “bible.”

As I flipped through the pages, I saw references to a Sailor’s daily life, how to salute, how to wear the uniform, the Navy heritage, and points about Navy education and training. Yet, as I dug deeper, I also began to reflect more and more about our Association and its purpose. The Bluejacket’s Manual has been the common thread uniting our training and creating a common starting point for Sailors for more than a century; and I began to think, “How could our Association create a legacy that was as great as the one created by this little book? How could we provide the same lasting impact in the lives of our Sailors and their families?”

I was recently reminded of the answer while handing out an AUSN membership application. Some of you might have even noticed the same slogan on the inside cover of our magazine or on the Web site stating: “Standing the Watch for Your Navy and You.”

That is what we are all about. This is how we build on those strong Naval traditions, and this is how we make a daily difference in the lives of our Sailors and their families.

AUSN is the only association promoting the interests of the entire Naval community and is primarily focused on the welfare of all Navy personnel. AUSN is recognized for being a strong advocate on the Hill for your concerns and is heard by our nation’s military leadership. We continually defend the operational needs of the Active and Reserve Components, ensuring that they have the necessary tools to fulfill their missions. And for our veterans and retirees, we continually work to ensure that your benefits and entitlements are given top priority.

At the local level, we support our communities through chapter events, meetings, and seminars; and we provide tailored materials that are region specific. In addition, we enhance our connectivity through interactive on-line programs and social networking forums to help our membership and friends connect anytime and anywhere.

There has never been a period in our nation’s history such as this. We are fighting two wars on foreign soil, projecting power by sailing the seas, and supporting humanitarian relief efforts as a global force for good. Therefore, while our personnel are being stretched, AUSN is there: “Standing the Watch for Your Navy and You.”