Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Veloicaza | SINGAPORE (Sept. 11, 2015) - Legalman Chief (select) salutes the National Ensign...... read more read more
SINGAPORE -- More than 250 U.S. Navy Sailors, their families, civilians and members of the Royal Australian Navy along with citizens of the Republic of Singapore, gathered at Navy Region Center Singapore's national ensign to honor and remember those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC), and Capt. Scott Murdock, commanding officer, Navy Region Center Singapore (NRCS) spoke of the significance of the attacks. Williams highlighted the impact that the Sept. 11th attacks made not only on the lives lost and their families, but also for those around the world who continue to strive and prevent future terrorist attacks.
"My message to you today is that moments matter," Williams said. "The moments that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, changed the lives of all the survivors and all the families of those who were lost. Since 9/11, every country in the free world has been working to try and prevent that day from ever happening again."
Murdock made a call to action that reemphasized William's point that the effects of 9/11 continue to impact the rest of the world and that remaining vigilant and committed is everyone's continued mission.
"We must honor them by embracing each day and celebrating our lives and the lives of our families and friends. Secondly, honor them by getting the job done," Murdock said. "Each one of us here is part of a mission. Whether it is patrolling the waters of the seas that surround us, ensuring the ships at sea have the fuel and supplies to complete their mission or getting the kids out the door and off to school in the morning, everyone contributes to a mission."
During the ceremony, NRCS staff members paid tribute to the fallen by lowering the American flag to half-mast while a vocal performance of Taps was sung by Kathy Vail, Family Service Office director for NRCS. Following Taps, ceremony participants recited the Pledge of Allegiance as a reaffirmation of commitment to the U.S. flag and nation. Lastly, a performance of the national anthem was sung by a group of Sailors and civilian participants that culminated the morning event.
Chief (Select) Legalman James Goza, who lowered the American flag to half-mast, drew tears as he recalled what Sept. 11th meant to him.
"It's an honor to be a part of this," Goza said. "It was one of the reasons I joined the military so it holds a close spot in my heart. Again, it's just a great honor."
While no U.S. base exists in Singapore, the U.S. Navy has leased facilities from the Singaporean government for several decades, and many U.S. ships, aircraft and personnel visit Singapore each year to rest, relax and reset. Today, the U.S. military community in Singapore includes active duty personnel, government civilians, family members, and local national employees distributed among 18 commands.
Established in 2007, NRCS provides administrative support to U.S. commands in Singapore and to visiting U.S., allied and partner navies. It also manages 165 family and bachelor housing units and dozens of command, administrative and warehouse facilities to support the operational readiness of active duty military personnel and their families.
Located in Singapore since 1991, COMLOG WESTPAC is the U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships to keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled, and fed. Additionally, COMLOG WESTPAC is 7th Fleet's Theater Security Cooperation agent for South and Southeast Asia.
For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf73/.
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2015 03:34 |
| Story ID: | 176471 |
| Location: | SG |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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