NEWPORT — Forty-seven Marines from the USS Arlington toured The Breakers mansion Thursday morning as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The service members arrived at the historic Gilded Age estate this morning aboard a Viking Tours trolley for self-guided tours of the 70-room mansion built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II in the 1890s.
The Marines were greeted by Preservation Society of Newport County staff and leadership before beginning their exploration of what is considered one of America’s most opulent summer “cottages.”
The visit was part of broader activities celebrating the Navy and Marine Corps’ milestone anniversary, which includes the USS Arlington’s stop at Naval Station Newport this week.
“The U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy are celebrating 250 years of service this year,” said Trudy Coxe of the Preservation Society in a newsletter to members. “Happy 250th anniversary, Navy and Marines!”
The USS Arlington, an amphibious transport dock ship, brought Marines and sailors to Newport as part of the commemorative events. The ship serves as a floating memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, Pentagon attack and incorporates steel from the building into its structure.
The Navy was established on Oct. 13, 1775, while the Marine Corps was founded on Nov. 10, 1775, both during the American Revolution.
