Congratulations on your orders to Fighting Eight, USS BOUGAINVILLE (LHA 8). Let me be the first to welcome you aboard. The name Bougainville was derived from the Battle of Bougainville, during the Solomon Islands campaign. The Campaign started with Guadalcanal, August 1942 and ended successful amphibious assault of Empress Augusta Bay on the Island of Bougainville, November 1, 1943. The Battle of Bougainville remains one of the most resounding successes of the war in the Pacific and stands as one of the best examples in military history in terms of coordination between the Army, Army Air Forces, Navy, and Marine Corps.
BOUGAINVILLE’s motto, Loyal, Fierce, and Brave, will guide us to becoming the mission ready war fighting machine we are destined to become. We are Loyal to our oath, commitments, shipmates, and YOU. You will be given the opportunity to shine and to bring your diverse experience and knowledge to better the ship and your shipmates. We exemplify the highest standards. Trust, Loyalty, and Respect are our foundation; Integrity, our bedrock. Each Sailor is an integral part of our organization and your importance cannot be over stated.
CV-100, the first USS BOUGAINVILLE, and the Marines at the Battle of Bougainville showed unmatched bravery in defense of others during World War II, you are now the face of their bravery for the future. Military working dogs were first introduced in WWII during the Battle of Bougainville and Jack was part of the 1st War Dog Platoon. After receiving a life threating gunshot, Jack delivered a critical message to the HQ for reinforcements. Jack was commended for outstanding performance against the enemy and to commemorate his loyal bravery, Jack was selected as our mascot and is proudly worn on our shoulder patch. In all, 423 Marines died capturing Bougainville, yet no patrol with a dog on point lost a man. We represent the bravery demonstrated by those who fought for freedom on the shores of Bougainville.
We will take to sea the most advanced amphibious warship ever built. When we face danger, we will take it on with fierce intensity to protect our families, friends, shipmates, and ship. Our Fierceness towards what is right and correct, towards honing our skills and keeping our cutlass’ sharp will now be expected of you. We are warfighters. With the unstable world we will be a beacon of light that our nation and others can look to in a time of need. We will bring assistance where needed and diplomacy where required. You will now help us shine brighter and become more lethal.
You are about to join a TEAM of excellence, knowledge, and inclusion and we are very excited for you to check on board. We will move into the coming days, months, and years, knowing that adversary stands in our way and knowing that as a team, we will overcome any odds or any opposition and we can accomplish any mission. With you joining our team, we become strong, smarter, and more efficient.
We are the Fighting Eight! We are BOUGAINVILLE!