SECNAV Thanks Marines in Pacific
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Rebekah Blowers
| | August 21, 2009
HAWAII --
The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus visited Marines at Camp H.M. Smith and Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), Kaneohe Bay Aug. 21.
SECNAV met with MCBH staff at the Pacific War Memorial, toured the Combat Convoy Simulator and other base assets. Additionally, Mabus presented awards and spoke with the Marines and Sailors of Marine Aircraft Group 24, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, and held an all hands call with Marines and Sailors stationed at MCBH.
Mabus stressed the importance of the Pacific region and its place in the Marine Corps of today and tomorrow.
“What America’s role is in the Pacific, what America’s role is in the world is going to depend a lot on what you do and how you do it and I’ve got an amazing amount of confidence in our Marine Corps and in our Navy,” Mabus said.
SECNAV thanked the Marines for ensuring the security and defense of the nation and expressed his pride in the work they are doing in Hawaii, and around the globe.
“The United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy today – the most lethal, the best trained, the most skilled, the most dedicated, the best force that the United States or any country has ever fielded. And the reason for that is sitting in this room today,” Mabus said.
This is the Secretary’s first trip to Hawaii since taking office in May 2009. During his stay, he met with senior military and government leadership, as well as Sailors stationed throughout the island. He will also be visiting the USS Arizona Memorial before leaving for his next stop on his two-week tour of the Pacific.