21 December 2009
Maritime Warriors, Shipmates one and all,
While most of the world is close to home celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah this holiday season and looking to bring in a New Year, I want to tell you “Thank You” for what you’re doing and where you’re doing it at. The sacrifices that you and every Sailor who’s ever worn our uniform make cannot be overstated.
No matter whether you serve in non-traditional Navy roles in Iraq, Afghanistan, Horn of Africa, Guantanamo Bay or Southern Philippines or the more maritime role in a scheduled or surge cruise, your individual and combined efforts are making a difference during this global war on terrorism.
We are all on the forefront of naval history during this period of time and you find yourselves away from your loved ones as you execute the mission assigned. Whether your mission is a part of an internment facility, a provincial reconstruction team, medical support, counter-IED, security on an off-shore oil platform, base or staff support or the myriad of missions or assignments throughout the world, you are in the thoughts, hearts and prayers of Shipmates, family and friends back home.
For your spouses and/or family members who continue to sacrifice on the homefront,
they too are heroes in more ways than the average American can relate too. Their continued effort leading and taking care of issues back home are more than most will ever know or understand. As my own wife Lesia and kids have done, they make it possible for you and me to focus all of our attention on the mission at hand.
You are patriots dedicated to the preservation of freedom and democracy. You do it with
no expectation of reward or even thanks. You continue to do it today for the same reasons Sailors have done it for over 230 years, because it’s our calling and because now we all have Shipmates that are counting on us to watch their back and perform that which is expected of us.
Keep up the extraordinary work you are doing. I am honored to serve with you during this important time in our nation’s history. May God bless you, your families, our Navy and our country and keep you safe as you go into Harm’s Way.
My sincerest gratitude,
//S//
Tom Howard
Fleet Master Chief
U.S. Fleet Forces Command
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