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​MESSAGE FROM THE 77TH SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

UNCLASSIFIED//

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SUBJ/MESSAGE FROM THE 77TH SECRETARY OF THE NAVY//

RMKS/1.  To Sailors, Marines, and all men and women of the Department of the 
Navy serving across this great world:  Today marks the honor of my life, 
taking the oath of office to become the 77th but more importantly...Your 
Secretary of the Navy. I am incredibly humbled to stand before You, the 
greatest Navy and Marine Corps in the world to accept this responsibility.  
For nearly 35 years, I like you have served Our country; first as a US Naval 
Officer deploying around the world to include sailing into "Harms Way" and 
most recently as our US Ambassador to Norway, a nation important to our 
national security.  Never have I ever doubted why we serve...to protect and 
defend the greatest nation on earth...the United States of America!
For more than two centuries the Department has exemplified the strength and 
resilience of the nation we represent.  Through tragedy and triumph, in both 
peace and in war, the source of our strength has been three simple but 
extremely powerful words:  Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
As each of you know, they must be our guide stars as we navigate challenges 
around the globe.  We can never forget that they are written in the blood of 
those who sailed before us: from John Paul Jones to Doris Miller...from Grace 
Hopper to Jason Dunham, all part of a formidable anchor chain of service 
through which each of You is an important part.
Make no mistake, we face significant challenges today.  Our Nation is up 
against perhaps the greatest test of our commitment to the ideals we hold 
dear than at any time in our history...surely since the end of World War II.  
We must recognize this challenge for all it is and all it presents, lurking 
in the shadows of deceit or the depths of dishonesty.  However, our Navy and 
Marine Corps have faced tough times before.  Each time we have prevailed and 
we will persevere again.  It is our sacred duty and we shall do so by relying 
on Our core values, the bedrock of Our service and the key to Our success:  
Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
The object of success for our service is simple: American Seapower.  America 
always has been and always will be a maritime nation.  America and our 
principles of freedom rely on seapower delivered by a strong and capable Navy 
and Marine Corps.  Each of You provides that power through Your actions each 
day -- actions that demonstrate our resolve to place service above self.
I look forward to the days ahead to do all I can on your behalf, ensuring 
that you have the opportunity to thrive and succeed in your service to Our 
Nation.  American Seapower will continue to defend Our Nation, and American 
Seapower will continue to preserve peace while deterring any and all that 
would challenge our way of life.  And when or if we find it necessary, 
American Seapower WILL decisively win in battle which is our solemn duty 
because there can be no alternative.
Please accept my personal appreciation which I sincerely send to every one of 
you for your selfless service, your devotion to duty and for your Honor, 
Courage, and Commitment.  I am privileged to stand with you, the greatest 
Navy and Marine Corps the world has ever known in your service to the People 
of America.  Godspeed to You and us all in this Great Endeavor!

2.  Released by the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite, Secretary of the 
Navy.//

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