The 2016 graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy are facing a world of complex, evolving challenges where their leadership and decision-making will be crucial, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today.
The decisions of these young officers will be relied upon in this new strategic era that is dramatically different from past generations, Carter said at the graduation and commissioning at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
The men and women who were newly commissioned today as Navy ensigns and Marine Corps second lieutenants will be leading the force at a time of remarkable change, Carter said. "You’ve chosen one of the noblest professions there is – a profession in which you’ll be waking up every day to help defend this country and make a better world," Carter said. "Thank you for doing so."
Mabus Congratulates Graduates
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said sailors and Marines serve around the globe to ensure stability, deter adversaries and provide national leader options in times of crisis.
"You're going to be on your way to the front lines of our operations," he said.
"I'm extremely proud of all of you," Mabus said, adding that the graduates will be part of "an incredible group of men and women who have safeguarded our seas and our shores since our inception."
This is the academy's first graduating class for whom all military jobs are open to women, he pointed out, saying a more diverse force is a stronger force.
Carter Highlights Security Challenges
Carter explained five major, evolving challenges in the security landscape. Those challenges are across all domains -- not just air, land and sea, but also in cyberspace, electronic warfare and outer space, Carter said.
The challenges, he said, are Russian aggression and coercion, especially in Europe; historic change in the Asia-Pacific region; strengthening deterrent and defense forces in the face of North Korean nuclear pursuits and provocations; Iranian aggression and malign influence in the Gulf; and defeating terrorism and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
The Asia-Pacific region likely will define the careers of many of the new officers, Carter said, noting that he will depart June 1 on his fifth trip to the region as defense chief. The United States has worked for decades to help maintain peace and security in the region, he said, and has strong relationships with partners there. The United States is committed to playing an essential and pivotal role in region for generations to come, he added.
Chinese Actions of Concern
While the Asia-Pacific region continues to be rich in opportunities, Carter said, there are challenges as well. "Not all the change in the region has been positive," he said, because “some expansive and unprecedented actions in the South China Sea” pose a growing risk that threatens the region’s prosperity.
China's construction and subsequent militarization of artificial islands on disputed features in the South China Sea far surpass all other land reclamation efforts by other nations. At times, he said, China tries to turn away aircraft, ships and even fishermen who are acting in accordance with international law near these features.
The United States does not take a position on the claims, the secretary said, but supports freedom of navigation in international waters for all nations. The United States will continue to sail, operate and fly wherever international law allows, he added.
Welcoming New Officers to the Fleet
The 2016 graduating class includes 788 people who were commissioned as Navy ensigns, and 256 who entered the Marine Corps as second lieutenants. The commissioned officers, who graduated with bachelor of science degrees, are obligated to serve for five years. Carter welcomed the new officers to the force.
"Today, you not only receive a degree that represents years of study and striving – you take an oath to a life of service and sacrifice in the finest fighting force the world has ever known," Carter said.
This was the first Naval Academy class to have cyber majors, with 27 people graduating today in that field of study, Carter noted.
The total graduating class of 1,076 people also included international students, as well as one midshipman who entered the Air Force, and one who is a new officer in the Coast Guard. Two graduates were approved for deferment to pursue playing in the National Football League, Carter pointed out.
(Follow Lisa Ferdinando on Twitter: @FerdinandoDoD)