San Diego -- The 75th Secretary of the Navy Raymond E. Mabus, Jr. visited the depot for the first time as the Parade Reviewing Officer for the Marines of Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion graduation ceremony, Jan. 10.
As Secretary of the Navy, Mabus, who leads America's Navy and Marine Corps, is responsible for conducting the affairs of the Department of the Navy, including recruiting, organizing, equipping, training and mobilizing. Additionally, he oversees the construction and repair of naval ships, aircraft, and facilities, and formulates and implements policies and programs consistent with the national security policies established by the President and the Secretary of Defense. Mabus is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $170 billion and leadership of almost 900,000 people.
As the Parade Reviewing Officer, Mabus was tasked with reviewing and approving the graduating company.
When the ceremony began, Marines of Co. G marched out onto the parade deck. With the graduation formation set, Mabus took his place in front.
“Good morning, Marines,” said Mabus.
The newly forged Marines of Co. G returned the greeting with a rumbling, “Good morning, sir! Ooh rah!”
Mabus spoke to the Marines and congratulated them on their accomplishment of becoming a United States Marine.
“It’s a privilege to be here today and a privilege to address you as Marines,” said Mabus. “You have earned the right to be standing here today; you have earned the right to be called Marines. You have been through the most grueling training that any force goes through. You have gone through the Crucible, you earned the right to stand on the reaper, and you have earned the right to wear the eagle, globe, and anchor. Earned, never given.”
Not forgetting others who sacrificed in the new Marines journey, Mabus turned to the families in the stands and thanked them for their support.
“To the families who are here today, the reason these Marines are standing on this parade field today is a large part today due to the values and character you have instilled in them,” said Mabus. “You have every right to be proud of your Marine.
Mabus turned back to Co. G and explained to them the gravity of their accomplishment.
“You are now a part of something far bigger than you’ve ever been a part of before,” said Mabus. “You are a member of the most formidable expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known.”
“I recently returned from my 12th trip to Afghanistan to see the Marines stationed there, and the name Helmand will join the legendary names in Marine history like Tripoli, Belleau Wood, Tarawa, Chosin Reservoir, and Hue City,” said Mabus. “That is the legacy that is bequeathed to you and that is the legacy now that you have to uphold and add to.”
Mabus spoke high praise of the Marine Corps’ history and tradition to the Marines. Something they had battled to be a part of for the past 13 weeks.
“This Marine Corps takes its rightful place with the legendary Marines who have passed through these gates and who have fought our nation’s battles for 238 years,” said Mabus. “As you leave today, to go to the fleet, remember that the Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment are not just advertising slogans, they are the way that you are expected to live your lives. You are here to protect the United States of America and you are here to protect and defend your fellow Marines and shipmates around the world.”
Mabus concluded his speech with one last praise for Co. G.
“I have every confidence that you will maintain the high traditions and values of the United States Marine Corps,” said Mabus. “So welcome to the Marines. I look forward to seeing you in the fleet. Semper fidelis; Ooh rah, Marines.”
As Mabus marked his first visit coming to the depot, the way he left also marked a first. Mabus left in a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The landing marked the first time an Osprey had landed on the depot.