Representative Dunn, Representative Jackson, Representative Bice, General Smith, Admiral Kilby, Admiral Caudle, Congressional Staff, General and Flag Officers, Colonel Batson, Marines, Sailors, and distinguished guests—good evening.

It is a profound honor and truly humbling to stand before you tonight as the 79^th Secretary of the Navy. Let me start with a quote that is applicable to why we’re here tonight. President Ronald Reagan once said “Some people wonder all their lives if they’ve made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.” From the first handful of Continental Marines who went ashore at New Providence in the Bahamas, to Belleau Wood and Fallujah, from the Chosin Reservoir to Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima, Marines have proven time and time again that when the stakes are the highest—they answer the call.

Tonight, we gather to honor a legacy that began 250 years ago in a bar in Philadelphia—and has been written in the blood and sweat of every Marine who ever donned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor since. As you observe the Marines in this evening’s parade—I know you will be as inspired by them as I am every day. The precision and discipline you’ll witness tonight from the Silent Drill Platoon is not the result of talent alone. It’s the product of countless hours of training, practice, and a steadfast commitment to the excellence that defines the United States Marine Corps. Ladies and gentlemen, we are facing an increasingly hostile and unpredictable global security environment with our adversaries seeking to supplant the United States as the preeminent global power. But, what lets me sleep well at night—and what should let you all sleep well at night—is that our United States Navy-Marine Corps team is on the clock, 24/7, 365—patrolling, deploying, and working alongside our Allies to strengthen deterrence. They are prepared to fight and win decisively—anywhere, anytime, and against any adversary. 

Sergeant Fred Larson, once said “They say you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. In the Marine Corps, you can make that horse wish to hell he had.” That tough, no-nonsense, and straight to the point ethos of our Marine Corps has brought great honor to our Nation throughout our history—it’s pushed limits and gotten the results we needed when we needed them. As Secretary of the Navy, my job is clear: ensure these Marines and our Sailors have the resources, training, and support they need when we need them next. As evidenced by recent conflicts, warfare as we know is has changed dramatically. The Marine Corps is adapting to this new, complex, and highly contested environment. I am committed to this effort and I am committed to investing in their success—modernizing equipment, providing the best possible training, and delivering the highest level of care to them and their families.

To the families, spouses, moms and dads, and children here tonight—your sacrifices are seen and deeply appreciated. Your quiet strength on the home front makes every mission possible. You are the unsung heroes—the ones who endure the deployments—the ones who carry the weight of worry. You are just as much a part of this tradition as those in uniform. The true strength of our military isn’t just in the weapons we possess, but in the courage, spirit and sacrifice of our service members and the families who support them.  Tonight’s parade is as much as a celebration for all of you as it is for our Marine Corps and our Nation. Thank you for all that you do.  May God bless you, may God bless our United States Navy, and may God bless the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis