Navy’s 250 th Birthday Ball on Oct. 17 in St. Louis

Record-Breaking Crowd Attends 2025 Navy Birthday Ball

The guest of honor was retired U.S. Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert, who served as the 30 th Chief of Naval Operations before his retirement in 2015.

More than 420 people attended the Navy’s 250th Birthday Ball on Oct. 17 in St. Louis. This was the most widely attended birthday ball for the St. Louis Navy League council, which raised funds in support of local youth initiatives like Navy Junior ROTC and the Battleship Missouri Division Sea Cadets.

The guest of honor was retired U.S. Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert, who served as the 30th Chief of Naval Operations before his retirement in 2015. During his speech, Greenert focused on the importance of industry and community partnerships to build a strong Navy capable of protecting and preserving open sea lanes vital to economic freedom and the security interests of the nation.

“This year was a special birthday ball to honor the Navy’s 250 th birthday,” said Rob Figge, chairman of the 2025 St. Louis Navy Birthday Ball. “We are especially grateful for the generosity of so many new sponsors and the support of the Navy League Council, and our Color Guard from Washington High School’s Junior NROTC, and support staff from local military commands.”

Emceed by Navy Capt. Garrett Kasper, the evening started with a brief history of the U.S. Navy’s humble beginnings followed by the Navy’s 250 th celebration video that led
with the unmistakable thunder of a U.S. Navy Blue Angel fly-by. A total of six flag officers were customarily piped aboard, followed by a powerful performance of our national anthem by national recording artist and retired Navy Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson.

The 2025 St. Louis Navy Ball featured several active duty and retired flag officers, including (from left to right): U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Jones (Ret.); U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Christopher Stone, Director of Strategic Plans, Policy and Logistics for U.S. Transportation Command; U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Dan Kloeppel (Ret.); Guest of Honor and 30th Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert (Ret.); U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kristin Acquavella, the Chief of Staff for U.S. Transportation Command; and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Matt Sibley (Ret.).

Sponsorships, financial support and donations allowed free and discounted tickets to current junior service members, and to Sea Cadets and JROTC youth who are considering a military career.

This year’s sponsors

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Prior to the traditional cake-cutting and ceremonial toasts, the Navy League of the United States surprised Melvin Burkart with the Scroll of Honor Award for his five decades of service to the St. Louis Council.