Secretary of the Navy visits students at TBS

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, visited The Basic School on Oct.7, 2013, to meet with Marines and tour the campus.

Upon arrival, Mabus met with Maj. Gen. Thomas Murray, commanding officer of Training and Education Command, and Col. Todd Desgrosseilliers, commanding officer of The Basic School.

“With everything that’s going on in the world, I know the secretary has a lot on his plate,” said Desgrosseilliers. “We just want to show the secretary how we’re training officers in the Marines Corps, and thank him for his service and time that he spends with us.”

Mabus’ first stop was the Sand Table Room where Fox Co. Marines were reviewing plans and tactics. 

Mabus next spent time conversing with junior officers during afternoon chow.

“He clearly wanted to be here,” said 2nd Lt. Adam North, TBS student. “It seemed like he was genuinely interested in what Marines were doing and seemed eager to talk to us.”

Before leaving TBS, the secretary also visited the Martial Arts Center of Excellence where he was briefed on the purpose and program of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. While there, he also watched a MCMAP demonstration and toured the Marine Raider Museum.

“He made the comment that [these kinds of visits] are the thing that he likes to do,” said 2nd Lt. Jeremy Murray, TBS student. “This is one of his favorite parts of his job, being able to go out and see Marines and sailors.”