Posted on 10/29/2002 6:37:51 PM PST by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
ABOARD USS TARAWA, At Sea (NNS) -- The Secretary of the Navy personally delivered a message to "be prepared" to the Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tarawa (LHA 1), and they collectively replied that they’re ready, during a visit to the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship off the coast of Southern California Oct. 24.
The Honorable Gordon R. England and his official party flew aboard Tarawa for a mid-morning visit to meet and talk with embarked Sailors and Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and to let them know that their hard work is appreciated.
“I want to thank you for your service, and for what you’re doing for America and the American people, because this is vitally, vitally important,” said England. “I can tell you the President appreciates what you’re doing, and the American people appreciate what you do.”
His speech to a combined formation of about 2,000 Sailors and Marines during an all hands call may have been brief, but the message made a lasting impression. Standing on an elevated platform in front of a massive American flag, England emphasized the urgency of the Tarawa amphibious ready group's (ARG) upcoming deployment overseas.
“Terrorism is a bonafide threat,” he said, referring to al Qaeda and other associated terrorist organizations. “This is the first time in the history of mankind that very small numbers of people have been able to wreak havoc against our citizens, against our families and against our cities.”
The SECNAV’s visit to the “Eagle of the Sea” came as part of an official five-day trip to the Southwest Region that stretched from Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado to Tarawa, off the coast of Southern California.
Accompanying SECNAV for the visit to Tarawa were Rear Adm. W. C. Marsh, commander, Amphibious Group THREE, and Lt. Gen. Michael Hagee, commanding general, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
Before his speech, England met with the Tarawa ARG leaders, including Capt. Ronald Thomas, commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven; Col. Thomas Waldhauser, commanding officer, 15th MEU; and Capt. Jay Bowling, commanding officer of Tarawa.
"The SECNAV was a very personable individual and came across as being very caring for the typical Sailor and Marine,” said Bowling. “And if I gleaned anything from him, it was to take care of your people, because they are a national asset. We need them now more than anytime in American history.”
After meeting with the commanding officers, England spent most of his remaining time with junior service members. In addition to shaking hands and taking personal photos with the Sailors and Marines after the all hands call, he went down to the aft main space engine room to talk to Sailors on watch and later ate lunch on the mess decks.
“It builds our confidence to have him come out, and it let’s us know that he knows what’s going on out here,” said Airman Ana Byron.
“Meeting the Secretary of the Navy isn’t something that we get to do every day. This is something I’m going to be able to look back on,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Delmar Hobkirk. “It’s great to have him come here and prepare us for what’s coming. When the time comes, we’re going to be ready.”
Before his return flight to San Diego, England reminded his hosts of America’s long tradition of protecting and defending liberty.
“The United States of America has given more to defend the world than probably any country the world has known, not only for our people but also for those around the world,” he said. “I just want to say, ‘Thank you and God bless you for what you’re doing, and thanks to your families.’”
For more news about USS Tarawa, go to www.tarawa.navy.mil.
God Speed Tarawa
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