 Hello, I'm Maravra Lynn Phillips, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2 and the operational commander of the bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812. I'm here on the River Boat Natchez underway in the Mississippi River off the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. This week, the Navy and Marine Corps are in New Orleans to honor the rich history and heritage and exemplary leaders that emerged from the War of 1812, which was the rebirth of our Navy and our nation. It laid the foundation for today's innovative, adaptable and global naval force. The SD2 is here representing sailors and marine warfighters operating forward around the globe and remaining ready, responsive and resolute.