Thank you Mike Carr for the introduction.

As I stand here on Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s flagship, among Admiral Chester Nimitz’s Fleet, speaking on the deck where General Douglas MacArthur presided in the surrender ceremony 76 years ago, I am humbled to join you in commemorating the end of World War II.

We all treasure this moment.

Here in Hawaii we are fortunate, considering the many historic memorials that remind us of the events of World War II.

The Arizona Memorial stands as a reminder of the surprise aerial attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7th, 1941 – marking the beginning of the war.

And here on the Battleship Missouri, the Instruments of Surrender were signed on her decks while anchored in Tokyo Bay – marking the end of the war, and the start of a journey of healing.

Pearl Harbor truly is a hallowed and special place - the Navy’s deep connection to this strategically important place is unparalleled.

And as in the Second World War, today we maintain an enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific across all domains for the security and wellbeing of our nation and the international community.

The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus said, “It is not so much our friend’s help that helps us…as the confident knowledge that they will help us.”

As the commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, it is humbling to serve in the wake of Fleet Admiral Nimitz and all of the giants that succeeded him.

Nimitz made the hard decision to send courageous Americans to remote and difficult places to fight.

To our Veterans of World War II, we thank you for your unselfish and heroic service more than seven and a half decades ago.

Your service exemplifies the greatness we have come to know and expect from our armed forces.

Your legacy of honor, courage and commitment lives on in our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen and civilians who support peace, security and stability in this vast maritime domain and beyond.

The next generation must take up the mantel of our ethos against the challenges ahead, wherever on the globe it leads.

The nation and Navy need them as much today as our nation needed the heroes of World War II.

As the events of World War II pass further into history, we must continue to reflect on and not forget what it took to get to September 2nd 1945.

Our memories must remain a sharp and distinct reminder of what we oppose, of what we cherish, and of the sacrifice that is required to preserve freedom.

May we never forget all of those who selflessly served our nation in uniform and their families.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.