Overview

• Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed newly commissioned officers at the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Austin acknowledged the Navy's role in training allies, expanding Ukraine’s maritime capabilities, and bringing relief to international conflict zones.
• Austin touted American sea power and teamwork in the Indo-Pacific region and among NATO allies amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
• More than 1,000 graduates make up the U.S. Naval Academy’s class of 2023, which will move on for more advanced training and eventual deployment with the Marines or Navy.
• Austin highlighted U.S. Marines training with allies in Japan and the Philippines, the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the U.K., and U.S. sailors operating with NATO allies in Europe.