R 121600Z OCT 22
ALMAR 028/22
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/US NAVY 247TH ANNIVERSARY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On behalf of all United States Marines, past and present, I extend congratulations to the United States Navy on its 247th birthday.
2.  On 13 October 1775, the Continental Congress created the Continental Navy.  Since then, the United States Navy has consistently and honorably answered our Nation’s call at home and abroad in providing sea, air, and special operations support in combat, tending to medical and spiritual needs in the field, building infrastructure, and conducting humanitarian relief operations.  Marines everywhere are proud to hold the line alongside Sailors to promote security, build strategic partnerships around the globe, and create the world's premier maritime force.
3.  Along with marking the 247th anniversary of the Navy’s founding, this year also commemorates 80 years since one of the defining battles of World War II.  At Guadalcanal, the Navy-Marine Corps team mounted their first major amphibious landing of the war on 7 August 1942.  After six months of fighting, Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Allied partners forced the enemy to retreat, marking a turning point in the war in the Pacific, and yielding an important American base for the subsequent island-hopping campaign toward the Japanese mainland.
4.  Marines take great pride in the many battles we have fought alongside our Navy counterparts and look forward to furthering our partnership, and interoperability with the finest Navy in the world.  On behalf of the entire Marine Corps, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the United States Navy on its 247th birthday.
5.  Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, United States Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//