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This holiday season whether you're celebrating at home with family
or deployed around the world in the field or fleet
I want to thank you
thank you for what you have accomplished this year
I hope you take a moment
to reflect on your personal accomplishments
as well as our collective ones within this great Navy/Marine Corps team
You've shown the unlimited reach
of your warfighting abilities from the mountains of Afghanistan
to the waters off the coast of Africa
You've shown your compassion
that matches your courage by providing humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief
to our partner nations
and most recently on our northeast shores after Superstorm Sandy
our original six frigates set the standard of naval excellence
in the War of 1812 and 200 years later
are ships continue to surpass that measure
through innovation of the 21st Century
modern fleet
but it's every Sailor and Marine serving today along with the sacrifice and
service of their families
who continue to make us the greatest expeditionary fighting force the world
has ever known
you stand the watch for the world
and you provide our Commander in Chief the flexibility to meet the challenges
that stretch from our shores
to the far over the horizon
by projecting our strength
so that we may keep peace on earth
So, from my family to yours
thank you and happy holidays
Semper Fortis
Semper Fidelis