SECNAV Thanks Everett Sailors and Civilians

By USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) visited Naval Station Everett April 12 to meet with Abraham Lincoln Strike Group and base Sailors and civilians.

Before arriving on board Lincoln, Secretary Ray Mabus visited with Navy Region Northwest and NAVSTA Everett leadership. Once aboard, he held an all hands call in the ship's hangar bay with an estimated 2,000 Sailors and civilians in attendance.

In his remarks SECNAV highlighted the flexibility of the Navy and recognized the deckplate leaders who make it all happen.

"The Navy is the one force America has that can get there fast and stay there," said Mabus. "We can project power, we provide humanitarian assistance, we reassure our allies, we can meet any mission that we're given as a Navy. We're the most flexible force that America's got."

Mabus recognized the sacrifices Sailors and their families make on any given day, thanking them for their service and passing on assurance that the nation appreciated their efforts.

"We've got the best trained, best equipped, best educated force we've ever had, and America knows we can do anything. That's because of the people on this hangar deck today," said Mabus.

"I call the Navy 'America's Away Team'. When we're doing our jobs we're a long way from home. Not many people know or understand the sacrifices you make and what your families go through. I thank you and the nation thanks you."

SECNAV concluded his remarks by taking questions from the audience and reserved time to take photos and shake hands with Sailors.

This is the SECNAV's first visit to the Northwest Region. After his visit to NAVSTA Everett he continued on to meet with key community and government leaders in the Seattle area.