8:40
To our sailors, marines, civilian employees, and your families, my warmest wishes to each of you this holiday season. Over the last year, you stood to watch in every theater on every sea and on every shore. You've flown into harm's way, sailed into contested waters, operated in silence beneath the surface, often far from home, and always on the nation's behalf. You do it with professionalism, grit, and the kind of quiet confidence that makes America safe and preserves our way of life. I've watched you execute under pressure with discipline and pride. No excuses, just mission focus and teamwork. exactly what our country expects from its Navy and Marine Corps. To those deployed and to the families carrying the load at home,
I know the holidays don't feel the same when you're separated by oceans, time zones, and duty. That distance is the real cost of readiness. And it is carried not by one person in uniform, but by entire families who serve alongside them. What you are doing matters. Every watch stood on the front lines and every sacrifice made at home strengthens deterrence, reassures our allies, and keeps our nation secure. Because of you, Americans can gather safely with loved ones, and our Navy and Marine Corps can respond whenever and wherever the nation calls. To our military families in particular, your service is seen, your sacrifice is honored, and you are not alone. A ready and lethal force depends on strong, supported families, and we are committed to
standing with you through the holidays, through deployments, and until every loved one is safely home. Your Navy and Marine Corps family is proud of you, and this nation is forever grateful. From my family to yours, merry Christmas, happy holidays, and best wishes for the new year.
