Thank you Mike, MCPON Stevens, and thank you Dave Reilly, the president of the Navy League; Julia Simpson, and the hundreds, perhaps thousands of invisible hands that made tonight come together and happen. Thank you all. And thank you for the work that not only have you done tonight, but for the past 120 years.  The Navy League has advocated for our Nation’s sea services, supported our service members and their families, educated the public and the Congress about the importance for a strong maritime force, and shared the values of our sea services with America’s youth.  Your work is important, it matters, and it’s making a difference.  So, thank you for tonight and thank you for all you do every day of the year.

Mr. Secretary and Betty, Sir, you’re a rock star, you brought your band tonight. Admiral Poulin of the United States Coast Guard, thank you. Fellow flag officers, ladies and gentleman, Shipmates, what a wonderful evening this is. 

My wife Linda and I are really thrilled to be here celebrating our Navy’s birthday with you – as part of this miracle that we call our military family. 

Part of that military family are our naval attachés and their spouses, who join us tonight. From countries, allies, and partners from around the world.   At my table we are blessed to have the naval attaché from Ukraine, Capt. Serhii Fedorchuk and his wife Olena. 

A thank you to you, and a thank you to Olena for joining us here tonight. Your shipmates back home, your countrymen, are in our thoughts.

As we often say, our Navy – and all of our military – is a family, and we serve as families.  And every one of you is part of this family.  What makes this life of service so unique and so special is the family and the bond we have. 

This year, our Navy family celebrates our 247^th birthday.  247 years ago, this week, in Philadelphia, on the 13^th of October, the members of the Continental Congress banded together and directed the creation of the American Fleet. 

Since that day in 1775 your United States Navy has stood the watch, 24 hours a day, seven days a week … defending our shores, protecting our national interests, and underwriting our commitment to truth, justice, and liberty around the world. 

In every major campaign, in every significant conflict, your Navy has been the sentinel on the seas.

I’m so proud – so proud – to celebrate this occasion with you all today.  I’m humbled by the roll-call of heroes in our Navy’s history.  And I’m honored to serve with you as part of the greatest maritime force for good that this world has ever known, along with our strong partners in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Coast Guard. 

Now, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce a man who has proven himself to be our Navy’s strongest advocate – our 78th Secretary of the Navy.

Secretary Carlos Del Toro has an incredible life story. He was born in Havana, Cuba, he and his family emigrated to the United States as refugees in 1962.

He was raised in New York City, and he attended three of the finest educational establishments in the world:  The United States Naval Academy, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Naval War College. 

A career Surface Warfare Officer, he is a destroyerman, and he was the first commanding officer of the USS Bulkeley, the guided-missile destroyer, and he served in several critical roles in the Pentagon and also as a White House Fellow. 

After retiring from active duty, he and his wife, Betty, founded a successful, small, high-tech business.  As CEO and as the president he supported a variety of defense technology programs, including artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, and space, just to name a few. 

This is a man who has demonstrated his successful leadership time and time again – both in public service, and then in private business.  He is a devoted patriot, a true servant leader, and a shining example of the American Dream.

Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here tonight.  I know how much, personally know how much, you care for our Sailors, for our Navy families, and for our Nation.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the 78th Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro.