Culture.Mil - Sailor’s Creed

Written by Jenifer Chrisman on May 9, 2016.

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I
will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to
defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

Written by a “Blue Ribbon Recruit Training Panel” at the direction and personal participation of Admiral Frank Kelso, Chief of Naval Operations, in 1993, the “Sailors Creed” is committed to memory during boot camp, as well as incorporated in officer training. It is an esprit de corps, for no matter what rank or position a Naval service member holds, he or she is a Sailor first and foremost.

To this end, the creed received a minor revision in 1994, replacing the word “bluejacket” with “Navy” to inclusively describe all hands, from the lowest enlisted, E-1, to the highest ranked officer, O-10. The change was approved by Admiral Jeremy Boorda. A second change was made after 1997 when “those appointed over me” replaced “my superiors.

The creed encapsulates the Navy and their proud heritage. It reflects the more than two centuries of their most valued traditions: support and defend, obey, honor, courage, commitment. It speaks of their willingness to sacrifice their lives, to do the right thing and to push forward through adversity to protect our freedom.

The creed, so concise and carefully written, is far more than mere words, it is the embodiment of the Navy and all those who serve.

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