steven, mike, for all that you've done to support this ship on its voyage. thank you, susan. i also want to recognize two other people who were very special to president ford. thank you vice president cheney and former secretary of defense rumsfeld. they look great. they look great. as we put this stunning ship into the service of our nation, we must also pay tribute to the thousands of citizens, military and civilian, who helped design and build her, their love of country has been boarded to every ribbon and bulkhead on this vessel. you hammered, chiselled and sculpted this mighty hull. were you there when the first steel was cut. when the turbines first roared to life. and when those beautiful bronze propellers first began to spin, and spin they did and now you are here to witness the moment when your incredible work of art becomes the pride of the united states navy. and a symbol of american power and prestige no matter where in the world you go. american steel and american hands have constructed a 100,000-ton message to the world -- american might is second to none. and we're getting bigger and better and stronger every day of my administration. that i can tell you. wherever this vess