Morris County honors 250th anniversary of U.S. Navy, recognizing local veterans’ service
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County this week joins the nation 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 prepared for war, Rhode Island’s delegates to the Continental Congress petitioned for “a fleet of sufficient force for the protection of these colonies.” 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.”
By December that year, 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 — marking the formal beginning of the nation’s naval service in its fight for independence. Jones would later become known as the “Father of the American Navy.”
“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 across every era of naval history — from wooden warships to submarines and naval aviation. Among them were sailors aboard the USS Juneau, lost in 1942 during the Battle of Guadalcanal, claiming the lives of five sailors from Morris County. The wreckage of the Juneau was located in 2018, and a moment of silence was held in their honor during that year’s Memorial Day observance.
“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,” said Joseph Barilla, director of the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “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.”
Among Morris County’s earliest naval stories are children as young as 10 who served during the War of 1812, known as “powder monkeys,” carrying gunpowder to cannons during battle. 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.
Another story remembered 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 wartime stories. 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, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, for a tour of the Morristown Green and Washington’s Headquarters, linking 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 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 anniversary is part of its ongoing 250th Anniversary celebration leading up to the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026, highlighting local residents who helped shape America’s founding.
For more information about local veterans’ history, visit the Morris County Veterans Compendium through the Office of Planning and Preservation, or apply for a Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medal at morriscountynj.gov.
