OKINAWA, Japan- Master-at-Arms Seaman Joseph Van Haverbeke, second from right, assigned to Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa’s security department and a native of Huntington Beach, Calif., carries a torch during a formation run from White Beach Naval Facility to Kadena Air Base to kick off the Kadena Special Olympics (KSO), Nov. 3.

All four services participated in the KSO, which is an event for special needs athletes to challenge themselves in various Olympic-style events, and inspires courage, teamwork and friendship between the U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor/Released)

On our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world’s oceans give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world’s oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America’s finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.

Source: Navy Outreach