In October, both the U.S. Naval Institute and the U.S. Navy commemorate their birthdays. For the Naval Institute, it is our 130th year serving the nation, its armed services and service members, and the citizenry. With the capability and future of the Navy in question in the post-Civil War era, a group of 15 officers gathered on 9 October 1873 at the Naval Academy for the first meeting for this professional association, which has since provided an open forum to advance the understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national security. Today, the officers, enlisted service members, and civilians who make up our membership are the legacy of that original group, and this magazine and our books, seminars, and other products and services continue the tradition of professional education and debate. The members and staff of the Naval Institute are proud of our naval heritage and the role we have had in shaping the naval services, and we salute all those who serve and have served in the U.S. Navy as you commemorate the 1775 founding of your great institution.
