Pence Says Trump Is 'Rebuilding Military' In Commencement Address

NEW LONDON, CT — After four years of studying and learning to become the best officers possible, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Class of 2018 graduated Wednesday at Cadet Memorial Field. The Academy's 137th Commencement ceremony featured Vice President Michael Pence as the keynote speaker.

“It is my great honor to join you today," Pence said, "to celebrate the extraordinary achievements and boundless future of the 208 cadets graduating today.”

Pence began his address by sending along "congratulations, admiration and appreciation" from President Donald Trump, who delivered the address last year.

“Today as you prepare to assume your duties as officers of the United States Coast Guard," Pence said, "you do so at a time of historic investment in the armed forces of the United States, and as you accept the responsibility...I promise you this Commander-In-Chief will always have your back.”

Pence also took time to praise Trump's "decisive action to rebuild our military" over the past 16 months.

“Just a few months ago, President Trump signed into law the largest investment in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan," Pence said, "including the largest pay raise for our Coast Guardsmen in nearly ten years.”

According to Pence, this investment provides more than 12 billion dollars for the Coast Guard.

“This summer...you’ll see firsthand the difference these investments are already making," Pence said, "and you’ll see the commitment of your Commander-In-Chief to ensure that the Coast Guard remains always ready.”

Pence also asked cadets to stand and applaud both Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Paul F. Zukunft and their loved ones in attendance for the "love, support and prayer" they gave each cadet.

“Many people spend their entire life searching for a calling," Pence said. "You found yours early. You were called to serve the greatest nation on Earth...the men and women graduating today, you come from the rest of us but you are the best of us.”

The Vice President also took time to praise the heroic efforts shown by the Coast Guard over the past year, specifically in response to the trio of hurricanes (Harvey, Irma and Maria) that struck U.S. shores in the span of less than a month.

“For all that was swept away by these catastrophic storms," Pence said, "the loss of life and property would have been so much worse were it not for the bravery and the courage of the men and women of the United States Coast Guard.”

As he came to close of his address, Pence reminded cadets to carry what they had learned at the academy with them throughout their lives.

“Class of 2018, today you’re joining the world’s greatest force for good," Pence said. "As you prepare for your first steps as commissioned officers, take the principles and precepts you have learned here and make them the anchor of your life, wherever your duties take you.”

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Photo credit: Renee Schiavone/Patch