Vigilance

Rear Admiral Joseph E. Tofalo

Commander, Submarine Group 10

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. This anniversary is a chance to pay tribute to a generation that has borne the burden of the nation's security during a decade of war.

Since 9/11, there have been extraordinary efforts taken to keep America safe. The submarine force and the Navy support these efforts through forward presence, deterrence, ensuring maritime security and augmenting other services by providing Navy personnel to support the war effort on the ground. As our CNO has said, "We honor those lives lost from the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, through the vigilance and service of our Sailors and Navy civilians who are on watch around the world today."

As I think about this weekend's anniversary of 9/11, I am reminded of the inscription on the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., which reads "Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty." This statement is not only true for those of us on watch in uniform, but also true for everyone in our extended Kings Bay family. Every one of us must be like the New York City tee-shirt vendor, Mr. Lance Orton, a Navy Veteran himself, who first alerted police about a bomb-packed SUV parked in the heart of Times Square in May 2010. His actions and vigilance saved a lot of lives that day. This weekend in particular and always, we all have an obligation to remain vigilant and adopt Mr. Orton's words of "see something, say something."

As we commemorate the citizens of more than 90 countries who perished in the 9/11 attacks, we honor all victims of terrorism, in every nation around the world as well as the resilience of survivors and families affected by terrorism. 

Rear Admiral J. E. Tofalo

Commander, Submarine Group 10