Deputy Secretary of Defense Visits Sailors on Guam

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Peter Lewis, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- The deputy secretary of Defense, visited Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 and USS Buffalo (SSN 715) submariners at their command on U.S. Naval Base Guam July 27, and bestowed the praise of a grateful nation for the Sailors' continued support of the military mission.

"We are at a point in our nation's history where we're asking an extraordinary amount from the military, and you're stepping up every time," said William J. Lynn III. "I know whatever the nation asks you to do, you do it well, and you do it without complaint."

Lynn went on to tell service members that their families should be proud of the sacrifices they make for the greater good of their fellow Americans and the nation as a whole.

"You should by justly proud of everything you are doing," he said. "Thank you for your service, and thank you for everything you're doing for your country."

The submarine crew said they felt a sense of pride knowing that a busy government official thought it worthwhile to meet with them.

"It really meant a lot to my guys that the secretary took the time out of his busy schedule to come out here and talk to us about his perspective," said Cmdr. Rick Seif, Buffalo commanding officer. "And I can tell you that the guys knew it was a great opportunity to host him down here on board."

Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SS) Brook Cross said that, though he is content simply being able to do his part in carrying out the Navy's mission, he was excited and honored to meet the secretary.

"We don't do this job for the glamour or for kudos. We do it because it is necessary and we love our country and our way of life," he said. "But it is a great distinction to know that our leaders in [Washington,] D.C. recognize the work that we are doing."

After shaking the hand of each crew member, the secretary journeyed to the University of Guam, in Mangilao, to discuss the future of Guam.