Shipmates,
Pam and I were honored to stand with the President and First Lady as our terrific Coast Guard Band, Honor Guard, Coast Guard Academy, Training Center Cape May, and Coast Guard men and women from across the Nation marched before the reviewing stand at the White House. My special thanks to all who worked with Armed Forces Inaugural Committee to make this event a resounding success. It was in many ways it was a long, cold day for our personnel offset by the emotional heat generated by the uniqueness of the day and the importance that this transition has for all Americans and the World.
The President and Mrs. Obama were gracious and grateful for the security the Coast Guard provides our country. Pam was thrilled as an Illinois native to be with President and First Lady.
I had a chance to speak with Governor Napolitano on the reviewing stand and she is excited and proud to assume her duties as our next Secretary. As Arizona natives the conversation obviously evolved to the Super Bowl and our Cardinals (my Dolphins having been eliminated).
We look forward to working with the new team.
We are headed out to the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball.
ADM A
