US Naval War College

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 19, 2009) House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) spoke during graduation ceremonies at the U.S. Naval War College June 19.  The graduating class included members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, civilian federal government employees, and international students from 65 countries.  Skelton charged the graduates with three tasks:  to become strategic thinkers; to continue their strategic studies, particularly by reading more military history; and to become mentors to the next generation of strategic thinkers. A copy of Skelton’s prepared remarks is attached.  (U.S. Navy photo by Shelby Richardson, Naval War College Public Affairs)