Newsflash

Kamala Harris: Naval Academy graduates ‘prepared for any threat’

05/30/2021 Rachel Kennedy The Armed Forces 0

United States Naval Academy Class of 2021 graduates throw their hats into the air at the end of the graduation and commissioning ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland on Friday, May 28, 2021. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the keynote address and presented the diplomas. Photo by Alex Edelman/UPI

Vice President Kamala Harris told the graduating class of the U.S. Naval Academy on Friday they will be counted on to mount a “modern defense” against the threats that challenge America.

Harris’ commencement speech marked the first time a woman has given the address in school history. About 1,000 students graduated, with most commissioned as Navy ensigns or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. The event was held at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Md.

*Midshipmen stand at attention as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a fly-over prior to Harris; address. Photo by Alex Edelman/UP*

“The global pandemic has launched us into a new era. It has forever impacted our world. If we weren’t clear before, we know now: Our world is interconnected. Our world is interdependent. Our world is fragile,” Harris said.
She said this new era includes the attacks of cyberhackers looking to capture information from American private companies and the military, as well as interfering in U.S. elections.
“You are prepared for any threat. You are prepared for this new era,” she added.
Harris told the midshipmen they would be counted on by the American people to combat these challenges.