U.S. Navy and Marine Corps highlight Philadelphia command center ahead of 250th birthday celebration

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps don’t just trace their roots back to Philadelphia. To this day, every aircraft, ship, and submarine in service can trace its parts back to a facility off Robbins Street.

“I use the analogy of – we’re like a Pep Boys for the fleet,” said John Tantoco, historian for Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support.

Service members and staff say not many people know the naval base exists, and that’s exactly why they gave Action News a closer look at the hidden gem in Northeast Philadelphia.

“We trace our roots at this command to the naval aircraft factory at the Navy Yard back to 1917, so well over 100 years of supporting naval aviation right here at this command. We did move to this location during World War II, during the 1942 time frame, and we’ve been here ever since,” said Captain Dan Metz, chief of staff for aviation support at the facility.

“Without the folks here, we would not be able to launch airplanes off the end of an aircraft carrier. We would not be able to meet the mission for the Marines that are in country around the globe. We would not be able to support and defend our constitution and defend freedom around the world,” said Captain Tony Bannister, the director of aviation operations at the base.

And the 1,100 active-duty service members and civilians who work at this command center are proud of that – especially those who grew up around here, and now get to ensure the country’s combat readiness right from their own backyard.

People like Genelle Marte, an aviation supply specialist and F18 readiness officer who might just have the most Philadelphia reason for joining the Marines we’ve ever heard.

“I had people tell me I couldn’t do it. I was like, ‘I can’t? Okay, bet,’” she recalled thinking.

It’s that grit and determination that will be honored next week as the Navy and Marines celebrate their 250th birthday.

“We’re going to have the Blue Angels flying over. We’re going to have a parade of ships, and ships are going to be moored on the waterfront. People are going to be able to see tours. We’re going to have a parade. There’s a concert down at the Independence Mall,” explained Metz.

The joint celebration kicks off next week and runs from October 9th to 16th at several locations throughout Old City and the historic district.

The Marines will have another celebration from November 7th to 11th.

You can find more details about the events at VisitPhilly.com.