The Sailor’s Creed is a statement of identity and standards in the U.S. Navy. It describes a Sailor’s commitment to the Constitution, the Navy’s fighting spirit, Honor, Courage and Commitment, excellence, and fair treatment. Below you’ll find the current full text, a plain-language explanation of each line, and a short history based on the Navy’s official account.
The Navy says a Blue Ribbon Recruit Training Panel wrote the creed in 1993 at the direction of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Frank Kelso, who took part in the final edit. The official account and text are available on the U.S. Navy’s Our Heritage page.
The Sailor’s Creed: full text
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.
This is the current wording reproduced by the U.S. Navy. Some older copies use earlier phrases; the history section below explains the changes.
What the Sailor’s Creed means, line by line
“I am a United States Sailor.”
The opening line states a shared professional identity. It places the individual within the Navy community, across different jobs, ranks, and areas of service.
“I will support and defend the Constitution… and… obey the orders of those appointed over me.”
This line connects service to the Constitution and to the Navy’s chain of command. The phrase “those appointed over me” is the wording used in the current version.
“I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me…”
The creed links present-day Sailors with the people who served before them. It frames the Navy’s work as part of a longer tradition of service and defense.
“I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.”
This sentence names the Navy’s three core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The words point to the standards Sailors are expected to bring to their service and to one another.
“I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.”
The closing line pairs high standards with fairness. It makes respect and fair treatment part of the creed’s meaning, alongside performance and readiness.
History of the Sailor’s Creed
According to the U.S. Navy, a Blue Ribbon Recruit Training Panel developed the Sailor’s Creed in 1993 at the direction of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Frank Kelso. Kelso participated in the final edit and directed that recruits receive a copy and memorize it.
Two later wording changes help explain why older versions differ from the text above:
- 1994: Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jeremy Boorda approved replacing “bluejacket” with “Navy” to make the wording inclusive of all Navy personnel.
- After 1997: the phrase “my superiors” was replaced with “those appointed over me.”
The Navy’s official history page gives the background and current text. For a related look at another service’s values, see our guide to Army Values and Leadership.
Printable Sailor’s Creed
For a clean printout, use the text below. In your browser, choose Print (or press Ctrl+P on Windows / Command+P on Mac); select a readable font size and print this section. For the authoritative version, consult the Navy’s official page linked above.
The Sailor’s Creed
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.
Why do some versions of the Sailor’s Creed look different?
Older copies may include “bluejacket” or “my superiors.” Those are earlier wordings. The official Navy account says the text changed in 1994 and again after 1997; compare older versions with the current text above when accuracy matters.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Sailor’s Creed written?
The Navy says it was written in 1993 by a Blue Ribbon Recruit Training Panel at the direction of Admiral Frank Kelso.
Who wrote the Sailor’s Creed?
The official history credits a Blue Ribbon Recruit Training Panel, with Kelso participating in the final edit of the group’s proposal.
What are the Navy’s core values named in the creed?
Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
Where can I find the official Sailor’s Creed?
Read the current text and its history on the U.S. Navy’s Our Heritage page.