Vigilance at sea, on land, in air

The ship, USS Bainbridge, did not rescue the captain of the Maersk Alabama.  

Nor was it USS Halyburton, USS Boxer, or the unmanned aircraft hovering above.  That rescue was made by the hundreds of Sailors who give those ships life.  Every one of those Sailors, those seen and unseen, from those in the engine room to the SEALS on the flight deck, made that rescue possible; it is to them and the thousands of Sailors around the world that we thank for their service and constant vigilance.  These young men and women are out and about on the seas, in the skies, and on land in defense of our nation.  While more than thirteen thousand are on the ground in the Central Command today, a further fifty thousand are on deployment throughout the rest of the world, assuring our partners and allies and deterring our enemies.

{mosads}In some ways, today’s Sailors are different from the days of old.  Their dreams and expectations, their education and experiences, and their outlook on the world reflect a sophistication and intellect that make us the best Navy we have ever been.  These Sailors may not know how to repair a torn sail but they can fix a jet engine that will bring a Littoral Combat Ship to 45 knots.  They don’t necessarily know how to shoot a cannon at a target in sight, but they can use an Aegis destroyer to launch a missile at an inter-continental ballistic missile.  While Sailors can still raise flags to send messages, they rely on chat boxes on their computer to communicate.  They are not just sailing alongside American warships anymore either, they are operating daily with European, Asian, African, and North and South American navies.  They are versed in technology, battle hardened and worldly because of their time at sea and their extensive operations at sea and ashore.  In all these ways and more, they make us the dominant and relevant force we are today, and they make us proud.

At the same time that they are different, Commodore Bainbridge, our Navy forefather from the days of the Barbary Pirates, would recognize our Sailors today for the same spirit, grit and ethos that were the hallmark of his time.  Our young men and women carry the same Navy culture of commitment, integrity, character and leadership that have made us unique since our founding.  They are unwavering in their devotion and clear eyed about their mission.  Whether leading a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan, conducting raids over Iraq, prosecuting pirates at sea, or delivering medical care in Haiti, our Sailors have no doubt about their global mission and what it takes to fulfill it.  With a spirit like this, we will never be defeated.

The character and determination of our Sailors is matched by their families.  For as well as our Sailors know what it takes to serve our nation, our families know it just as well.  They endure the same uncertainty, frequent moves, separations, and tragedies and they do it with a quiet and steadfast commitment.  They are unceasing in their support– a support that sustains our Sailors at sea.  Together, they serve our country with honor, and they have our utmost respect and thanks.

There is no greater reward to these young men and women than the simple thanks of our nation.  They risk everything out of a belief in our country and a determination to protect it; your support and appreciation make it all worthwhile.

Roughead is the chief of Naval Operations.