Defense secretary Gates salutes Great Lakes Navy graduates
Navy recruits graduating from basic training Friday morning at the Great Lakes Naval Station were reviewed by an unusually high-ranking figure - U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.
Gates walked by each division, receiving a salute from the newly minted sailors. Some of them did not know Gates would be there until two days ago.
"It takes uncommon perseverance to make it through basic training, just like it takes uncommon bravery (to enlist in a time of war)" Gates said in his keynote speech Friday morning.
About 971 Navy recruits graduated to sailor status Friday. The Great Lakes Naval Station, near North Chicago, has about 40,000 graduate each year in small ceremonies held year-round.
Everyone who enlists in the U.S. Navy goes through Great Lakes, except those who attend the Naval Academy.
Gates thanked the new sailors for their work and their parents for supporting their children's decision to serve. He acknowledged tough times ahead as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue.
"It is no easy task, but it is a vital one for the United States to remain safe," Gates said.
Having just completed basic training, many sailors embraced loved ones who came to cheer their accomplishment.
"It's a great feeling after eight weeks of hard work," said Valentin Diaconu, of San Diego.
Parents and other family members were not shy about showing their pride, shouting out during the ceremony and sporting decorated cars on the way to the base.
Blue and gold lettering on the back windshield of one Chevy Blazer read "My baby brother is a sailor."
At Great Lakes, Gates made a commencement address, but Thursday night in front of the Economic Club in Chicago he chided Congress for trying to add billions to the Pentagon's 2010 spending plan for more F-22 fighter jets.
He also addressed the Army's high suicide rate - 51 soldiers have taken their own lives since March 1. Gates called the figure released by the Army Thursday an indication of stress on the troops.
And even earlier Thursday at Fort Drum in upstate New York, Gates said he may send more soldiers to Afghanistan than he originally planned on, which may come with an increase in the number of soldiers in the Army.
The Obama administration approved sending 68,000 troops to Afghanistan by the end of 2009. Gates said there may be more personnel sent, although he does not expect the number to be significant.
Friday was Gates' first visit to the Great Lakes Naval Station. He was appointed secretary of defense by George W. Bush in 2006 and was asked to stay on in President Barack Obama's administration, marking the first time that position has carried over from one administration to the next.
From 1967-1969 Gates was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
Gates toured the naval station earlier in the day to see how the recruits are trained, which he called an educational experience.
"Basic training is only the first step in the journey on which you have embarked," Gates said.