Gunner's Blog

JONES INTRODUCES BILL TO RENAME THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

“I strongly believe that the men and woman of the Marine Corps deserve the proper recognition they have earned.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones today introduced HR 34, a bill that would rename the Department of the Navy to be the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. Representative Jones has long been an advocate of giving the Marine Corps the representation they deserve as one of the four official branches of the military.

The National Security Act of 1947 spells out the mission of today’s Marine Corps and defines the Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force as the four services given statutory missions. It clearly indicates that the Marine Corps is a legally distinct military service within the Department of the Navy.

Furthermore, in 1986, through landmark legislation known as the Goldwater-Nichols Act, Congress formally acknowledged the roles of each service’s commanding officer. The act stated each branch’s commander serves equally as a member of the Joint Chiefs and, when called upon, as military advisors to the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Counsel, and the President.

“There isn’t a subordinate relationship between the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marines Corps,” Jones said. “They are equivalent parts of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and it is time that the Department of the Navy recognizes their equal status. This legislation is not about changing the responsibilities of the secretary, reallocating resources between the Navy and Marine Corps or altering the course of the mission at hand. Rather it is about showing the nation the true meaning of the Department and recognizing the overall importance of the Marine Corps to our national security.”

“I am encouraged by the overwhelming support I have received for this change from so many members of our armed forces. With their backing, I will continue to work diligently to see this bill through the House. I am committed to making the unity between the Navy and the Marine Corps a known fact. They have operated as one entity for 229 years. This legislation will ensure the department they share exemplifies that fact.”

Jones had previously introduced legislation that would change the name of the Navy’s leader to be the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps. That legislation received wide support from many prominent figures including two past Commandants of the Marine Corps and three former Secretaries of the Navy. It was also endorsed by the Fleet Reserve Association, one of the largest organizations representing enlisted personnel in the naval services.

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kristen Quigley at (202) 225-3415.

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Gunner's Comments:

I agree with Congressman Jones in the strongest terms possible, and feel that this is long overdue.

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