so i would ask that we take a moment to luke byrd and midshipman mason halsey. we are all deeply grateful that the byrd and halsey families are here with us today. i want to say a few words about the challenges facing america's newest lieutenants and ensigns. you have lived by your class motto " from adversity, victory." during a once in a generation pandemic, that's exactly what you showed. for weeks, you could rarely leave your rooms. so you bonded with your teammates over google meet. your classes were run as well. you still passed fleet chemistry. eventually. [laughter] and i know you were shot gunned into new companies to start your youngster year. years here as a long lesson in grid, adaptability and discipline. and grow as teammates. that is exactly what willém continue to expect of you today and every day. has the most capable navy and marine corps in the world. make no mistake, we're going to keep it that way. and you are going to keep it that way. [applause] last year, i told the class2023t the lifeblood of the rules-based international order is sea o