“Six months ago, I came here to address the graduating class of 2005. I spoke to them about the importance of their service in the first war of the 21st century - the global war on terror. I told the class of 2005 that four years at this Academy had prepared them morally, mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. And now they’re meeting those challenges as officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

Some of your former classmates are training with Navy Seal teams that will storm terrorist safe houses in lightning raids. Others are preparing to lead Marine rifle platoons that will hunt the enemy in the mountains of Afghanistan and the streets of Iraqi cities. Others are training as naval aviators who will fly combat missions over the skies of Afghanistan and Iraq and elsewhere. Still others are training as sailors and submariners who will deliver the combat power of the United States to the farthest regions of the world - and deliver compassionate assistance to those suffering from natural disasters. Whatever their chosen mission, every graduate of the class of 2005 is bringing honour to the uniform - and helping to bring us victory in the war on terror.