 For 247 years our shipmates have stood the watch while some of us were in our bonks at night our shipmates stood the watch while some of us were in school learning our trade our shipmates stood the watch yes even before some of us were born into this world our shipmates stood the watch in those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history our shipmates stood the watch many times they would cast an eye ashore and see their families standing there needing their guidance and help needing that hand to hold during those hard times but they still stood the watch they stood the watch for 247 years they stood the watch so that we our families and our fellow Americans could sleep soundly and safety knowing our sailors stood the watch today we are here to recommit to the sailors who have come before us by saying shipmates the watch stands relieved relieved by those you have trained guided and led shipmates you stand relieved we have the watch