WASHINGTON -- Sailors and guests gathered at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 6 to celebrate the 102nd birthday of the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Navy Reserve Force Master Chief CJ Mitchell, spoke to the crowd about his trips to visit Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSC) and how he is continuously impressed with the Sailors he meets.

"I am excited and enthusiastic about the Navy Reserve today," said Mitchell. "They pride themselves on being ready. They are proud to contribute, proud to serve and they want to do more."

Vice Adm. Luke M. McCollum, chief of Navy Reserve and commander, Navy Reserve Force, talked about how the Navy Reserve has changed over the years. He said there have been some of the most dramatic changes since 9/11.

"Since 9/11 we have learned to operate much differently," said McCollum. "There's an expectation that you [Reservists] will go on active duty and mobilize, and deploy."

He explained that the key to dealing with changes and the success of the Navy Reserve in the future is obvious.

"Everybody knows that it's the people and then it's about what the people deliver," said McCollum. "Our people make the difference."