They have been led by example, and I can think of no finer example of honorable service to our country, than the service Chuck Larson has provided so faithfully and so well for forty years. I am the son and grandson of four star admirals. I have long been accustomed to living in the large shadows cast by great men. It has been a privilege and an honor to have lived for forty-four years, as a young man and an old one, in the shadow of my classmate and dear friend, Chuck Larson. Chuck and Sally, neither I nor the Navy nor the Academy say goodbye today.
Goodbyes are impossible.
We have been too close for too long to part company now. We simply say thank you for the honor of your friendship, and the blessing of your service, and, as we wish every good sailor, fair winds and following seas.