Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard issued the following message to the U.S. Marine Corps on their 235th birthday.
On behalf of the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, I am honored to extend birthday greetings to the United Sates Marine Corps on the 235th anniversary of your founding.
On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution creating two battalions of marines to serve as landing forces for its fleet. This marked the birth of the United Sates Marine Corps. Since then, Marines have continually sacrificed to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. From the 1805 Battle of Derne where Marines seized victory from the Barbary Pirates (the first such engagement of U.S. Forces oversees), to today’s operations in the mountains of Afghanistan.
This summer, in the Gulf of Aden, elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit facilitated the capture of 9 suspected pirates, securing the safe rescue of 11 crew members from the Motor Vessel Magellan Star. Members of the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team South were proud to assist, following in the second wave to handle enforcement activities after the initial takedown. Today, Marines and supporting Coast Guardsman are playing a key role in securing freedom on the high seas and proving they are a formidable team.
The Marine Corps has also advanced the humanitarian aspects of U.S. Operations. Following this years earthquake in Haiti, Marines landed within days to deliver relief supplies and provide medical aid to the citizens of Leogane, Haiti. Marines of the 22nd Expeditionary Unit worked around the clock to deliver 550,000 bottles of water, 18,000 Lbs of medical supplies, and more than one million disaster and relief rations.
Since our founding in 1790, the Coast Guard has served alongside our fellow armed services on battle fronts around the world, but our bond with the Marines is unique. One of the Coast Guards greatest heroes and only Medal of Honor recipient, Signalman First Class Douglas Munro, died fighting alongside the Marines at Guadalcanal. Today, the Marine Corps Honors Douglas Munro with an anti-terrorism training facility named in his memory. His bravery and sacrifice is our shared heritage.
Your selfless service is cherished by all Americans. You are Semper Fi. We wish you continued success and are honored to serve alongside you. Semper Paratus.
Adm. Bob Papp, Commandant, United States Coast Guard.
To all my Marine friends and readers, Happy Birthday!!
