as admiral harley burke said in 1961, u.s. navy officers must understand not only how to fight a war, but how to use a tremendous power which they operate to sustain a world of liberty and justice. that's your mission and you will be tested. just ask last year's graduates. two members of the class of 2023 asked me to pass along a message today. both ensigns were aboard the uss carney. they helped defend freedom of navigation in the red sea. they help those in distress at sea. they helped abrade but capabilities of iranian-backed houthi militia and helped shoot down missiles and uav's. carney conducted 51 engagements in six months. the most direct navy engagements with a foe since world war ii. [applause] and the message of those ensigns on the carney to the class of 2024 is this. "you are ready, believe it. you are ready because as one of those ensigns put it, the academy of the ultimate teambuilding exercise. what comes next is not a drill. you will lead sailors and marines through tension and uncertainty. your teammates will