 The US Navy's Third Fleet recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Members celebrated with the cookout and music provided by the destroyers of Navy Band Southwest and took time to reflect on 70 years of protecting the seas. Third Fleet was stood up March 15, 1943 under Admiral William Bull Halsey, a known fighter who was called on to change the dynamic in the Pacific and re-establish American presence and defeat the enemy. A great quote from Admiral Halsey was appropriate for the task he had been given and remains a true heading for how Third Fleet operates today. Hit him hard, hit him fast, and hit him often. Throughout the decades of Third Fleet history, our command has risen to the challenges before us and succeeded. Whether fighting a tenacious enemy, creating and maintaining international relationships, or managing a wide range of technological innovations for introduction to the fleet, we continue a 70-year legacy of service and support to our great nation. It's an honor to be considered and called a shipmate of the great staff that's not only here today at Third Fleet, but when you think back of the sailors that have served in this numbered fleet in the previous 69 years, it's truly remarkable and it is truly an honor to be called a member of Third Fleet. What was begun during a most critical time in our nation's history continues today as the Pacific is again an area of responsibility requiring our best. The Third Fleet continues to protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies in the Pacific by providing realistic and relevant training for their deployed members. From Naval Air Station, North Island, I'm Seaman Apprentice, Conor Minto.