R 101650Z OCT 19
ALMAR 024/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/UNITED STATES NAVY 244TH BIRTHDAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On behalf of all United States Marines, I am pleased to congratulate the United States Navy on their 244th birthday.
2.  Since the dawn of our Republic, the men and women of the U.S. Navy have battled piracy on the high seas, brought peace to war-torn lands, combated tyranny in all its forms, and saved countless lives of those suffering from nature's wrath.  United States Navy Sailors embody the axiom "Non sibi sed patriae" -- not self but country – in every action and completed mission.
3.  The combined efforts of the Navy-Marine Corps team brings out the best of both services.  During the Battle of Okinawa 74 years ago, HA1 Robert E. Bush rushed to the aid of a wounded Marine officer and refused to leave his side despite the harrowing enemy fire and his own serious wounds.  Those actions earned him our Nation’s highest award for valor, and that is just one of many examples of the dedication to duty and selfless service Sailors have exhibited on the battlefield.
4.  As sea control and denial capabilities are again at the forefront of global security, Marines look forward to even further strengthening our partnership and interoperability with the finest Navy in the world.  We take great pride in our shared history and in serving shoulder-to-shoulder with our Navy counterparts wherever and whenever our Nation calls.  Happy 244th Birthday!
5.  Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//