SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- On Oct. 1st our great Navy component, Military Sealift Command commemorates its 52nd anniversary. In this troubled time, as America responds to the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the men and women of MSC, active and reserve, military and civilian alike, stand tall as the world's preeminent sea transportation service.

In the days ahead, the men and women of MSC, as they are in every crisis our country faces, will be critical to our global response operation. Indeed, MSC, led by USNS Comfort, has already set an exceptional standard of support to the rescue effort in New York in the days following the attacks on our nation. On September 20th, President George W. Bush told the nation, "I have a message for our military: Be ready," and that, undoubtedly, will require a major contribution from each of you.

No plan, in any American military operation, can hope to succeed without the superb talents of the men and women of MSC. Our military's ability to get to the fight and to sustain itself in the fight leans heavily on MSC's enthusiastic and broad-based ability to provide global support. I am confident that you are up to the challenge.

The men and women of MSC are a big part of the United States Transportation Command family. My sincerest thanks for your exceptional dedication and your many achievements. I am very, very proud of you. And, as for tomorrow, I can say it no better than President Bush, "The hour is coming when America will act, and you will make us proud." You will indeed.