For over two and a quarter centuries, the Navy and Marine Corps have been partners and shipmates in answering the call to defend our great Nation against any foe.  From the beaches of New Providence to Iwo Jima and now in Iraq and Afghanistan, the strategic partnership of the Navy and the Marine Corps has served our nation well and gives America a maritime capability that is unmatched by anyone in the world.

This initiative is not intended to diminish the strength of that partnership.  It is also not intended to change defense budgets or roles and missions.  This effort seeks to formalize that which has been recognized in a “de-facto” manner for many years.   The Nation has always recognized the symbiotic relationship that exists in the Naval Services between the Navy and Marine Corps.  This initiative is intended to bring formal recognition to this partnership by re-designating the name of the Department of the Navy and its key civilian leadership to The Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.

As a matter of fact, this Department does provide the civilian leadership to two military services – the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.  This has been codified in law for more than six decades.  Changing the name to reflect this reality does not diminish the respect and admiration Marines and Sailors share with each other.  Rather it strengthens this relationship for all the world to see.  It also demonstrates Sailors and Marines will continue to serve together to defend our great Nation against any foe.

When a Soldier is killed in combat, his family receives a letter from the Secretary of the Army.  When a Sailor dies in conflict his family receives a letter from the Secretary of the Navy.  When a Marine dies in conflict, his family receives a letter from the Secretary of the Navy.   Ask yourself if it would not be more appropriate and meaningful to that family if that letter were from the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps and acknowledged the loss of their Marine.  Has not the time come for the Marine Corps to receive the recognition it has earned in war and in peace, to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Navy brothers in arms as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps?

We urge you to join in this effort.  Write your members of Congress and tell them you support legislation to re-designate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as the title of the Service Secretary to the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps.