Navy’s Core Values

America's naval service began on October 13, 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized a few small ships creating the Continental Navy. From those early days of naval service, certain bedrock principles or core values have carried on to today. They consist of three basic principles:

Honor: "I will bear true faith and allegiance..." Accordingly, we will: Conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships...be honest and truthful...encourage new ideas...be mindful of the privilege to serve our fellow Americans.

Courage: "I will support and defend..." Accordingly, we will have: Courage to meet the demands of our profession and the mission...meet these challenges while adhering to a higher standard of personal conduct and decency...be loyal to our nation..courage is the value that gives us the moral and mental strength to do what is right...

Commitment: "I will obey the orders..." Accordingly, we will: Demand respect up and down the chain of command...care for the well-being of our people...show respect...be committed to positive change and constant improvement...work together as a team to improve the quality of our work, our people and ourselves.