The United States Navy is responsible for maintaining control of the
sea and is a ready force on water at home and overseas, capable of
strong action to preserve the peace or of instant offensive action to
win in war.

It is upon the maintenance of this control that our country's glorious
future depends. The United States Navy exists to make it so.

Tradition, valor, and victory are the Navy's heritage from the past.
To these may be added dedication, discipline, and vigilance as the
watchwords of the present and future.

At home or on distant stations we serve with pride, confident in the
respect of our country, our shipmates, and our families.

Our responsibilities sober us; our adversities strengthen us.

Service to God and Country is our special privilege. We serve with
honor.

The Navy will always employ new weapons, new techniques, and
greater power to protect and defend the United States on the sea,
under the sea, and in the air.

Now and in the future, control of the sea gives the United States
her greatest advantage for the maintenance of peace and for victory
in war.

Mobility, surprise, dispersal, and offensive power are the keynotes to
the new Navy. The roots of the Navy lie in a strong belief in the
future, in continued dedication to our tasks, and in reflection on
our heritage from the past. Never have our opportunities and our
responsibilities been greater.

Home