Good afternoon, everyone.

What a remarkable way to conclude an extraordinary week – one that I believe all of us will remember for years to come.

First, let me simply say thank you.

Thank you to every nation represented here for making the Seventh International Naval Review a success. Your presence honored our Nation and strengthened the friendships that brought us together.

To our international partners and friends – thank you for sailing here, flying here, and bringing your ships, your crews, your traditions, and your friendship to this harbor.

Your presence made this week special.

Over the past several days, New York Harbor has been filled with ships, flags, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and maritime leaders from around the world. And I think everyone here felt what that means.

This was not just about ships in the harbor.

It was about Sailors meeting Sailors. It was about nations standing together. It was about old friendships, new relationships, and the shared understanding that life at sea connects us in ways few other things can.

Every Navy here is different. We sail different ships, wear different uniforms, speak different languages, and serve different nations. But we all understand the sea. We understand the discipline it demands, the trust it requires, and the responsibility that comes with serving something bigger than ourselves.

That is what made this week so meaningful. Ships eventually return to their homeports, but trust endures. That trust – built alongside one another at sea and strengthened face-to-face this week – is the true legacy of the International Naval Review.

And there could not have been a better city to host it than New York City.

For generations, this city and this harbor have connected America to the world.

New York understands something every mariner understands – that great cities and great nations flourish when they remain connected to the sea and open to the world.

So, to the City of New York – thank you.

Thank you to Mayor Mamdani, city officials, first responders, port authorities, civic leaders, volunteers, businesses, and everyone who helped make this week possible.

You opened your city to our Navy, to our sea services, and to our friends from around the world. We are deeply grateful.

To the crew of USS Arlington – thank you for hosting us.

USS Arlington carries a name forever linked to sacrifice, resilience, and national resolve. Throughout this week, her crew has honored that legacy with professionalism, humility, and pride.

To every Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman, and service member who stood watch, welcomed visitors, gave tours, answered questions, and represented your country – thank you.

You represented not only your service, but your nation. Every visitor who stepped aboard left with a better understanding of the professionalism, character, and commitment of those who serve at sea.

As this remarkable week draws to a close, the ships will soon disappear over the horizon, the ceremonies will conclude, and the flags will come down. But the relationships strengthened here will continue long after the harbor grows quiet again.

That is the real value of this week.

Years from now, I suspect we will remember far less about the ceremonies than we will about the conversations, the shared meals, the laughter, the visits aboard one another's ships, and the renewed confidence that comes from serving alongside trusted friends.

History often remembers the ships. Those of us who serve know it is the relationships between the people aboard those ships that truly shape history.

To everyone who made this International Naval Review possible – thank you for your service, your partnership, your friendship, and your unwavering commitment to preserving the freedom of the seas.

It has been an honor to share this historic week with all of you.

May the friendships strengthened here continue to grow, may our navies continue to sail together in peace and purpose, and may God bless each of your nations.

Fair winds and following seas.