ladies and Gentlemen The Honorable Matt Gates it is an incredible honor to welcome you all here to this remarkable ceremony whether you call Pensacola home or whether you're visiting you know this is a special place and we are indeed doing a special thing uh a a particular Welcome to our veterans our active duty and our military connected families you inspire the most within us because you are truly the best Among Us and ladies and gentlemen officers and crew of the USS Richard MC know that you are in a city that is a Navy town one rich in Naval History and a community that deeply values the service and sacrifice of our military today we celebrate not just the commissioning of the USS mul but also the spirit and dedication and bravery that it embodies we want to thank the commissioning committee without whom today's events and this remarkable event in Pensacola would not have occurred and we honor the minds with the vision to craft the need for this capability that is being delivered by the mul and indeed the hands the the skilled hands who crafted her and who gave her to us on this occasion the USS mul is named after a true American hero Captain Richard M mol Jr a Medal of Honor recipient whose courage and Leadership during the battle of Okawa saved countless lives his legacy is a testimony to the values we hold dear bravery duty honor and Country as we commission this state-of-the-art amphibious worship we are reminded of the critical role it will play in our National Defense and deterrent strategy equipped with Advanced radar systems a flight deck and a well deck all working in tandem to transport Sailors and Marines ashore and into the fight wherever and whenever do may call USS mul is a symbol of our commitment to maintaining the most capable survivable and lethal military on the planet Earth to the crew of the USS mul you are the Beating Heart of this ship constructed of Steel but powered by patriotism and American Ingenuity your training dedication and teamwork will ensure that this ship lives up to her namesake remember the words of Captain mul fight as unit not as individuals this philosophy will guide you through both challenges and triumphs ahead and know this Pensacola will proudly always be a part of your story wherever you go whatever challenges you may face whatever triumphs you accomplish Pensacola will always be by your side in every way possible we are so grateful to your service and your sacrifice and for all you do to keep this great nation safe safe and so as you embark on this new chapter know that you carry the hopes and prayers of a Grateful Nation the respect and admiration of Northwest Florida and the love of everyone you protect and serve your mission is so vital and your commitment unwavering the foundation you set today will carry over the lifespan of this incredible ship shaping the future of Naval Warfare and ensuring the safety of all Americans let us honor the legacy of Captain Richard M mol Jr by striving for excellence in all that we do May the USS mul sail with strength and courage that which is so exemplified by its namesake and may the crew always find Safe Harbor it is it is an Indescribable honor to have the chief of Naval operations and the secretary of the Navy with us in Pensacola today they are great Patriots who work each and every day for the fighting men and women of our service for their families for our veterans and for this great country we serve may God bless the USS Richard M mol Jr and may God grant her Fair Winds and flowing seas in the future thank you all so much thank you representative gate