Gunner's Blog

JONES SPEAKS TO MARINE CORPS LEAGUE ABOUT RENAMING THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
"This legislation is about showing the nation the true meaning of the Department and recognizing the overall importance of the Marine Corps to our national security."

WASHINGTON, DC – Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones today was the featured speaker at the annual Mid-Winter Conference of the Marine Corps League in Falls Church, Virginia. Jones spoke about HR 34, a bill he introduced to rename the Department of the Navy to be the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.

"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."

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. Today Jones displayed a copy of orders for a silver star for a young Marine who was posthumously awarded this honor for his actions. He then displayed a copy of the orders as they would look after the renaming with both the Navy and Marine flag at the top. After an enthusiastic applause, Jones said, “When this Marine’s children and grandchildren grow up they should be able to look at this letter and be proud of their Daddy’s sacrifice as a Marine. There should be no confusion as to what service he belonged.”

To date, Jones has fifty-three cosponsors of HR 34, including North Carolina Representatives Howard Coble, Robin Hayes and G.K. Butterfield.

“I am encouraged by the overwhelming support for this change. I am grateful for my colleagues in the House who have co-sponsored this legislation and, most importantly, I am honored that so many members of our armed forces have backed this bill. With their backing, I will continue to work diligently to see this bill through the House. The Navy and the Marine Corps have operated as one entity for 229 years. This legislation will ensure the department they share exemplifies that fact.”


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