In this dramatic photo, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus watched nighttime flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, the oldest aircraft carrier in the American fleet and the world’s first nuclear-powered carrier.
Mabus also addressed U.S. Sailors and Navy civilians during an all hands call at Logistics Group Western Pacific and Navy Region Center Singapore Aug. 8. There, he thanked all hands for their continued service while assigned in Singapore.
“The people at home will never know how much skill and talent it takes to wear the uniform and do your job on a day to day basis in this part of the world,” said Mabus. “You make America safer, more secure, and just a better place.”
Mabus highlighted the renewed focus on the Western Pacific in the new strategic guidance released by the Department of Defense in January, noting that the continued U.S. military presence in East Asia since World War II had contributed to regional peace and stability.
“The military has always been here in the region,” said Mabus. “From a Navy-centric standpoint, the new strategy puts more emphasis on the Navy and Marine Corps.”