A production about sailors put on by sailors is truly a special way to commemorate the birth of our great Navy. Pastin, to you and the members of the Navy Band and Ceremonial Guard, on behalf of everyone here tonight, I thank you for what promises to be a superb show. Tonight, as we celebrate on this stage our Navy's 221st year of service, our fleet serves on the world stage as the undisputed guardian of security and stability. For our Navy, it is just another day at work. . For the last 221 years, our ships and sailors have sailed to distant oceans to serve as the tip of our nation's spear.
Tonight is certainly no different.
As I speak, Enterprise Battle Group is in the Northern Arabian Gulf enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Carl Vinson Battle Group steams in the Indian Ocean. Saipan Amphibious Ready Group patrols the Mediterranean, while Tarawa Amphibious Ready Group sails in the central Pacific. Everywhere and in every way our Navy is answering the call as well as it has ever been answered. I hope all of you are, too.