 I'm Rear Admiral Bob Burke, Commander Submarine Group 8 and Deputy Commander of the United States Sixth Fleet here aboard the Los Angeles Class Attack Submarine USS Pittsburgh. Submarines are frequently unseen but important aspect of maritime operations in the naval forces Europe and Africa areas of responsibility. Today's force leverages the nuclear powered submarines unique attributes of stealth, endurance and agility to support joint and naval operations. This allows assured access to denied or hostile areas, shared knowledge of the battle space and if required power projection with surprise from close in. While the submarines are impressive it's the crew that makes the ship a formidable fighting machine able to operate for months at a time submerged and undetected. I'm proud of each of you who call yourself a Submariner and thank you for your continued efforts to ensure undersea dominance. America's submarine force, where it matters, when it matters.