 I'd like to take this opportunity to add my thanks, appreciation, and best wishes to members of the USS Benfold, past and present, who are celebrating the ship's 17th birthday this March. It seems hard to believe that 17 years ago, when I was a commander and was blessed and fortunate enough to place the ship in commission, that one, the ship would still do so well and be a wonderful service all these years, and I would still be in the Navy. But it's a tribute to the wonderful crew and the legacy of service and excellence that we celebrate today. I'd also like to add my special greetings and warmest regards to Mr. Craig Burgess. Very early on in the ship's history, we established a relationship with the hometown of Ed Benfold, Audubon, New Jersey. Craig has been instrumental in sustaining that relationship over the years and forging a very clear bond between the ship and the town. So enjoy the birthday celebration. I want to offer our appreciation for your service and the fleet and the enduring tradition of excellence that you live every day as you deploy in the Pacific and in the Middle East in support of our Navy and the nation. Thank you very much.