By Christopher Townsend, Navy League National President
The United States Marine Corps plays a critical role in both the security of our country and our response to conflict and crisis around the world. Our Marines are a revered fighting force with a storied history – from Belleau Wood to Guadalcanal to recent conflicts in the Middle East, The Marines are unrelenting in their support of each other, their brothers and sisters across the sea services, and the United States of America. The Marine Corps motto of Semper Fidelis, or “always faithful,” is apropos.
The presumptive transition from Commandant of the Marine Corps General David Berger to General Eric Smith is certainly worth highlighting as an example of that fierce dedication to service. Smith currently serves as the 36th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and will step into the role of Commandant should he be confirmed by the Senate. A driving force behind efforts to modernize Marine Corps operations via Force Design 2023, he has indicated strong support for General Berger’s innovative commitment to accelerating response readiness and amphibious capabilities within the Corps, in addition to other strategic solutions to key logistics challenges.
We look forward to Congress and the Department of Defense coming together to resolve their differences as swiftly as possible, ensuring that our Marines are always ready to be first to fight. With that readiness, we must also be cognizant of the mental health of our Marines and all who serve. The Navy and Marine Corps are making important strides towards improving access to mental health, including the Navy’s new Mental Health Playbook released earlier this year that gives our leaders better access to critical resources.
Our all-volunteer military is only possible through the personal sacrifice of individual men and women, and the families who support them. They deserve the very best care that we can muster, and that includes mental health support and treatment without reservation or stigma. Fleet readiness is more than ships and weapons … most importantly, it’s our people.
Thank you, Marines, for all you do!
May God bless the Navy League of the United States and the United States of America!
Christopher “Towny” Townsend
52nd National President