UNITED STATES NAVY 250TH BIRTHDAY

R 091244Z OCT 25
ALMAR 020/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/UNITED STATES NAVY 250TH BIRTHDAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. On behalf of all United States Marines past and
present, I extend our deepest congratulations to the United States
Navy on the momentous occasion of its 250th birthday. A
quarter-millennium of steadfast service, sacrifice, and maritime
excellence is a milestone worthy of the highest honor.
2. Since its founding by the Continental Congress on 13 October
1775, the United States Navy has built an enduring legacy as the
world's foremost naval force. From its modest origins, it has grown
into a global force for peace, deterrence, and power
projection safeguarding our national interests, supporting our
allies, and responding to crises around the globe.
3. For 250 years, the Marine Corps has proudly stood shoulder to
shoulder with the Navy, forging an unbreakable bond in
service to our Nation. From the age of sail to the era of nuclear
propulsion and beyond, the Navy-Marine Corps team has evolved
together, ensuring our joint force remains unmatched in lethality,
agility, and global reach. Across generations, we have stood ready
off hostile shores to deter the Nation's foes, delivered life saving
humanitarian assistance, and projected combat power ashore from the
sea.
4. This year marks several historic anniversaries that reflect the
enduring strength of the Navy-Marine Corps team: the expeditionary
operations at Derna 220 years ago and in China 125 years ago, the
amphibious assaults on Iwo Jima and Okinawa 80 years ago, the Inchon
landing 75 years ago, and the evacuation of South Vietnam 50 years
ago. These and countless other operations demonstrate how our
partnership-forged in combat and strengthened by shared sacrifice
has been central to America's ability to project power,
respond to crises, and prevail across every domain.
5. As the United States Navy celebrates this historic anniversary,
all Marines take great pride in our shared heritage. We salute our
Navy brethren for 250 years of honorable service and look forward to
continuing our mission together in defense of freedom and global
stability.
6. Semper Fidelis, Eric M. Smith, General, United States Marine
Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//