WASHINGTON (NNS) -- This
year's celebration of our 237th birthday is highlighted by anniversaries
that have defined us as the greatest maritime warfighting force in
history. Across the country, cities held Navy Week celebrations for the
bicentennial of the War of 1812 which guaranteed our independence and
ensured our future. These events have shown the contrasts of our modest
beginnings with the original six frigates at the start of the 19th
century to today's 21st century modern fleet.
This year is the 70th anniversary of Guadalcanal which was one of our
Navy's most important World War II victories in the Pacific. 2012 is
also the 50th Anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis that allowed
President Kennedy to stand firm during the Cold War confrontation with
the might of 140 ships of the fleet in the Caribbean. Since then, the
Navy has continued to provide the flexibility our Commander in Chief
needs to meet high-end conventional or asymmetrical threats, or provide
humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters. We have
remained a nation committed to the seas and to a strong Navy.
While we have innovated and built the world's greatest fleet through the
years, what makes our Navy part of the best expeditionary fighting
force the world has ever known is our Sailors. You are standing the
watch and sustaining peace in the global commons.
The new defense strategy announced by the President in January is a
maritime-centric strategy, so America needs your continued best. This
is a time and a future when so much depends on our naval services and we
will continue to take care of our Sailors and their families to make
sure they have all they need to take care of our nation. You are part
of a Navy warfighting team that is reliable, flexible and ready to
respond worldwide - on, above and below the sea. I look forward to all
we will accomplish in the years ahead.
Thank you, happy birthday and semper fortis.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment