NORFOLK, Va. — The Navy in Hampton Roads is celebrating its birthday a little early.

The sea service turns 237 years old on Saturday. The date marks the anniversary of when Congress adopted a resolution establishing the Continental Navy.

Sailors around the world have been celebrating the milestone all week. On Friday, U.S. Fleet Forces Command will commemorate the Navy’s birthday during a ceremony aboard the USS Wisconsin, a retired battleship in downtown Norfolk. The ceremony will include the ringing of nine bells.

Similar ceremonies are also being held on area bases.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)