Chaplain Corps Celebrates 236 Years

Chaplain Corps Celebrates 236 Years

December 01, 2011
U.S. Coast Guard|by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally

A lighthouse is a beacon of safety to mariners coming into a harbor or transiting through treacherous waters near shore. In many ways, a chaplain is like a lighthouse to military members and their families.

U.S. Navy chaplains have served the men, women and families of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard for 236 years as leaders in spiritual matters. They are a resource for military members to confide in and get help in non-spiritual matters as well.

Since 1775 the chaplains have been guiding members of the nation’s sea services. Their rich history began with the Navy’s predecessor, the Continental Navy. Since the commissioning of the Navy’s first chaplain, William Balch, the chaplain corps has expanded to more than 850 members. These men and women serve the nation throughout the world.