The ocean is a dangerous place. I have always said to you that the ocean is always trying to kill you. And if you let your guard down, even for a second, it will.

This week in 1900, the US Navy began its experience in challenging some of those dangers, as the USS Holland SS-1 was commissioned as the first submarine in the US Navy. It’s why we celebrate numerous Submarine Balls this week – to recall that legacy and what it established. The Holland was simply an amazing boat, with innovations and technological leaps that are still in use today.

But April also reminds us that going to sea in a submarine is a dangerous business. Holland’s legacy would be seen as the US Navy’s newest submarine began a test dive on the morning of April 11, 1963. She would never surface.

In recent years, we’ve seen other incidents and frightening close calls. And the truth is that it will happen – someday – that anther boat will not surface. But we’ve been going into the depths since 1900. This week we celebrate the US Navy Submarine Service… 124 years old this year… and we perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the performance of their duties while serving their country; that their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice will be a constant source of motivation to even greater accomplishments…