Mesic thanked all Navy personnel for "developing and strengthening this branch of the armed forces over the past 13 years," and added that they had proved that they were "capable of successfully protecting Croatian interests in the Adriatic."
"We are proud of the courage and perseverance you demonstrated during the difficult years of war, and we believe in your competence and determination to continue and reaffirm the glorious Croatian maritime tradition," the president said in his message.
Mesic said that systematic education and training were of utmost importance for the further development of the Navy, and that at this moment it was crucial to complete the project of establishing the Coastal Guard.
Navy Day is observed on September 18, commemorating a battle in 887 when Croatian seamen defeated Venetian naval forces.
Defence Minister Berislav Roncevic also sent his best wishes.