 Everywhere I go as your secretary I'm inspired by the professionalism and the drive of every United States sailor that I meet. Each of you makes enormous sacrifices and achieves amazing things on the surface and the sky and beneath the waves. I have loved the Navy from the moment I took the oath of office at the United States Naval Academy. That is a love that has continued throughout my entire service from the waiting days of the Cold War to my time as an executive officer in the Pacific to my command of USS Bulkley after September 11th. At every command I had the privilege of working with some of the finest chiefs, officers and enlisted sailors in the world. They came from different parts of the country and different parts of the world. Men and women of every religion, orientation and background joined by a common love of country and a determination to give back. My wife Betty and I know that Naval service places extreme demands on both sailors and their families. We thank each of you and your families for all that you do. You have my personal commitment as secretary that I will do everything I can to make sure you have the right equipment, platforms and training that you need to get the job done and return home safely. On this 246th birthday of the United States Navy think about the chain we all help forge through our service every day. It is a chain that extends back to the sailing ships of the Revolution to the ever evolving capabilities of today's fleet. Our Navy has always been America's global guardian and always will be. Each of you writes the next chapter of our story through excellence, commitment and diverse perspectives that you bring to the Naval service. Let our history serve as your motivation and let the examples of the past bring a sense of urgency to our mission today. Whether you're wearing the uniform or serving as a civilian be worthy of the legacy of all who served and sacrificed before us. The future of our Navy and our nation is in your hands. Thank you for your service and may God bless you and your families as we begin our 247th year. Happy birthday shipmates.