Source: United States Navy
Below is a transcript of the remarks as delivered:
Happy birthday to the United States Navy.
Mr. Secretary, thank you so much for joining us. [So] Let’s take in all lines and get this ship underway.
Secretary Del Toro, fellow flag officers, friends — most importantly – shipmates: Thank you for joining me this morning as we take a few minutes out of our busy schedules to pause, reflect on, and celebrate this great Service that we have volunteered to join in the noble cause of supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States.
Of course, our Navy – your Navy – pre-dates our Constitution. And without our Navy, there never would have been a Constitution – nor a Country whose course that it directs. For without a naval force, America would never have won independence.
Today, let’s think back and imagine to that morning in Philadelphia, 247 years ago, on Friday, the 13th of October, as the members of the Continental Congress gathered to make a momentous decision. I wonder how they felt as they read aloud the urgent letter from George Washington confirming reports that English ships were departing England with much needed supplies for British troops; informing them that — as commander-in-chief — he had already directed three vessels to cut off those supplies, and imploring the Congress to authorize a Continental naval force under their civilian authorities that would unite the colonies’ maritime defenses.
British superiority at sea fueled an army ashore, and a threat in America that put the colonies’ trade at risk and threatened the vulnerable young towns along the seacoast.
Faced with these facts, the Continental Congress – the delegates – could no longer afford to deliberate… they had to act. Their only hope of sustaining the flame of freedom was to establish an American fleet.
And yet … some had their doubts: Was this too bold a move? Would a Continental Navy imply a declaration of sovereignty and independence? And could they challenge the mightiest fleet in the world?
However, with British reinforcements and supplies on their way, doubt gave way to decisiveness. Reluctance hardened into resolve. The congress of delegates banded together determined to defend their rights. In doing so, they put their lives on the line for the values they upheld.
So with the stroke of a pen, they directed the fitting out of two vessels, giving birth to the Continental Navy, and dispatching our ship of state on its voyage into history.
Since that day, nearly 247 years ago, our United States Navy—you – has stood the watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week, defending our shores, protecting our national interests, and underwriting our commitment to truth, to justice, and to liberty not just here, but around the world. In every major campaign, in every significant conflict, our Navy has been the sentinel on the seas.
As our history demonstrates, America has always been a maritime nation. The seas are the lifeblood of our economy, of our national security, and our way of life.
And so, our mission remains timeless– to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level. This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.
I’m so proud to celebrate this occasion with each of you all today. And I’m humbled by the roll-call of heroes in our Navy’s history. And I’m honored to serve with you as part of the greatest maritime force for good our world has ever known.
President Kennedy famously said, “if anyone is asked what they did to make their life worth-while, I think they can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy.’”
So today, for all of us, let us take pride in this life of service … and in our great Navy.
Thank you all, and Happy Birthday.