Service members send their holiday greetings back home

The Department of Defense released several holiday greeting videos from military service members.

• Emily Steinway, from Elgin, Ill., gives family a holiday shout out aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) on Nov. 7.

Essex and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world's international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

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Sgt. 1st Class Ralph Boyd with the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, stationed at Fort Knox, Ky., gives a holiday greeting to friends and family in Villa Park, Ill.

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Connecticut Army National Guard Col. Toni Sabo, Area Support Group Jordan, sending wishes for a joyful season to her niece's family in Elmhurst, Ill.