(intense acoustic music)
- Today Bertholf sets sail and we're gonna live
up to the name of National Security Cutter.
We're gonna be doing a national security mission.
When we get underway, we're gonna be working
for the US United States Indo-Pacific Command,
Combatant Commander and we're gonna be executing
national security operations throughout the Pacific.
- We have an incredible work force
in the United States Coast Guard.
And that incredible workforce is represented here
by the men and women on the Bertholf as they sail today.
These are incredibly dedicated individuals
who live what it means to be selfless
and to serve and to sacrifice for their country.
I am committed to this workforce.
We're an armed service and we will stand
in the breach of national security
and continue to meet our obligation
to the country and support the oath
that we took to support and defend the Constitution.
(intense music)
During these uncertain times of the lapse
in appropriation and government shutdown,
I know it is hard for these crews
to be leaving behind their dependents and spouses.
It's a thousand times more so when everyone
is wondering when their next paycheck will be
and how they can support the family
that they are leaving behind.
There's been an incredible outpouring
of support for the families here,
here in the Alameda region, but the tension
and the anxiety for the crew is real.
We stand by to help support those families
that are left behind the same way
that we're gonna support the crew
as they sail for the Western Pacific.
(intense acoustic music)