Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey visited the U.S. Naval Academy April 21 to address the class of 2015 at Alumni Hall.

Dempsey's address comes a month before the class will swear in and become officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

"In a month you leave here because you have proven that you are ready," said Dempsey. "But now you have to prove it to your Sailors, Marines and senior leaders that you have what it takes to lead."

The nation's top military officer told the midshipmen they must continue to excel as junior officers.

"What you have to do after you graduate is to recommit yourself at being the best at whatever task or specialty you're given. You're going to have the deep commitment to expertise," said Dempsey.

Dempsey explained the importance of building relationships in order to be a good leader.

"Lead with humility. Why humility? Because what makes us who we are as a profession is that we build relationships," said Dempsey. "You are going to have relationships throughout your career. Everything we do it is about trust and trust requires relationships, and the foundation of that is humility."

He concluded his address by telling to the midshipmen to expect the unexpected and to learn from whatever life deals you.

"The chance of you scripting your life is not going to happen. History will find you. You should enjoy every day in your career," said Dempsey. "Not every day will be great but know that you should take something away from every day."

The 1,076 midshipmen of the class of 2015 will graduate on May 22. Upon graduation they will report to various service schools prior to entering their assigned communities.

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