Good morning. Capt Borger, distinguished guests, former shipmates from the Nat Greene, NOTU family, ladies and gentlemen. We stand in awe of the World War II veterans recognized today. Now let's slow forward to the Cold War.

I am pleased to be able to be here today and participate in this ceremony and see the end of a long journey. The journey of this sail from the days of new construction and DASO right here at the Cape, to strategic patrols, and now to its final mooring. The idea to procure this sail, and put her on display at NOTU was not a unique one. There have been several other similar sails put on display around the country.

But this is a special place for the fleet ballistic missile submarine community. Every single US and UK FBM submarine has been here at NOTU in their lifetime. No other latitude and longitude can claim that.

It is fitting that this sail from the USS Nathaniel Greene be displayed here to represent those who came before and those who came after and still stand the watch.

This sail is a symbol.

She represents something larger. She represents the whole boat, that was beneath her, who sailed proudly in defense of our country.

She represents all the men who sailed in her, for only a sailor knows how the crew breathes life and character into the ship.

She represents all of the 41 for freedom FBM submarines and the magnificent Tridents descended from them.

These were the heroes of the Cold War, the deterrent force and those who sailed in them, who never fired a shot in anger yet won the war. The famous war strategist, Sun Tzu, said "the highest form of warfare is to win the battle without fighting." So true.

I must recognize some of the people and organizations that were key to helping us get to this special day. Admirals Dugan Shipway, Denny Dwyer and Charlie Young, Directors of Strategic System Programs and Capt Dave Krueger, the SP missile branch head, who supported the idea from the beginning. Space Gateway Support for their fine craftsmanship and the many partners from the Brevard County Community. The NOTU team, past and present, who always pull together for a great cause, Steve Lemmon, David Biega, Lillian Bertsch, Master Chief Rob Payne, and George MacEwen, just to name a few.

Remember the crews who dedicated themselves to a great cause.

Remember the families and loved ones who waited for their sailors to return from patrol.

As president of the Levering Smith chapter of the Naval Submarine League, I pledge to raise the funds to erect an appropriate brass plaque on this site to commemorate the Nathanael Greene sail, as the symbol of a far greater cause than the steel that you see today.

Thank you, and God bless the US and UK submarine forces, and God bless America.