The Honorable John Kerry, Secretary of State, arrived aboard the landing platform dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) to celebrate the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps with Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and Sailors from the San Antonio Nov 10.

This was Kerry's first visit to a San Antonio-class ship. Kerry enlisted in the Navy in 1966, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and earning a Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat V and three Purple Hearts. Kerry was sworn in as the 68th Secretary of State of the United States Feb. 1, 2013, becoming the first sitting Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman to become Secretary in over a century.

During Kerry's visit to San Antonio he addressed the Marines present, recognizing their sacrifices.

"We could not do everything we do in today's world without the safety you provide us and security you provide every single one of us," said Kerry. "Over the years there have been many places of conflict where your fellow Marines, in many cases, gave their lives in service to our country, and in all cases served our country with great distinction...if you have to get the job done the first people you come to is the United States Marine Corps."

The celebration included the traditional reading of General Lejeune's Message, a speech by Kerry and a ceremonial cake cutting. As the guest of honor, Kerry received the first piece of cake.

The second piece of cake was cut by the oldest Marine present, Master Gunnery Sergeant Antonio M. Hardy, who was born Aug. 30, 1960. Hardy joined the Marine Corps Feb. 10, 1987. In a symbolic representation of the future of the Marine Corps, the third piece of cake was then presented to the youngest Marine present, Private First Class Raymond C. Cruz, who was born May 5, 1996 and joined the Marine Corps Nov. 18, 2014.

San Antonio is currently in a four-month continuous maintenance availability to conduct necessary upkeep and upgrades of the ship.

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