    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [April 20, 2005]
    [Pages 640-641]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Presenting the Commander in Chief's Trophy to the United
    States Naval Academy Midshipmen
    April 20, 2005

        Thank you. Please be seated. Welcome to the Rose Garden. It is my
    honor to welcome the Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy back
    here again. Coach Johnson told me last year--he
    said, ``Don't worry about it, Mr. President, we'll be back.'' [Laughter]
    I like a man who keeps his word. [Laughter]
        The football rivalry of our military academies is one of the great
    American sports traditions. Once again, the Midshipmen set a standard of
    excellence on the field. This team is tough; it is talented; and you
    knew how to win. You whipped the Air Force Academy in the field goal in
    the last minute. I was there when you beat Army. [Laughter] And you won
    the Commander in Chief Trophy again.
        I want to thank our guests who are here. A Member of the United
    States Senate is on his way who is a huge Naval Academy supporter, and
    that would be Senator John McCain. He will be
    here soon. I appreciate Mike McIntyre from
    North Carolina joining us. Congressman, thank you for being here. I
    appreciate Michael Steele, the Lieutenant
    Governor from Maryland. I appreciate Gordon England, who's the Secretary of the Navy, soon to be, upon Senate
    confirmation, the Deputy Secretary of Defense. We're glad you're here,
    sir. And I appreciate Vice Admiral Rod Rempt
    for your hospitality at the games.
        Coach Johnson, welcome back.
    Congratulations on the award you have won. There's nothing like a good
    team to make you look good. [Laughter]
        This team will be well-represented in the Navy record books. You won
    more games than any Navy team in 99 years. That's a long time.
    [Laughter] The last time a team of Midshipmen won 10 games, the
    Commander in Chief was Theodore Roosevelt, who, by the way, built the
    West Wing. You finished the season ranked number 24 in the polls. The
    last time that happened, that you were in the top 25, was 1979. None of
    the players on this team had been born then. You earned a trip to the
    Emerald Bowl in San Francisco, and you beat New Mexico for your first
    bowl victory in 9 years.
        You also set--Senator John McCain. Thank
    you, sir. Thanks for coming. The thing McCain loved about the Naval
    Academy was, he got to study all the time. [Laughter] He and I have both
    showed that

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    if you--people with C averages can succeed. [Laughter] Welcome.
        The interesting thing about the football game at the Emerald Bowl
    was this--I happened to watch it--it was the drive that lasted 14
    minutes and 26 plays--like he kind of redefined the definition of ball
    control. The team was a source of pride for the brigade of Midshipmen
    and for Navy fans everywhere. The seniors on this team led one of the
    most dramatic improvements in college football history. Navy went 0 and
    10 during your plebe year, and 10 and 2 this year.
        I'd like for the record to show that your turnaround started the
    year I delivered the commencement. [Laughter] I'm not, like, taking any
    credit for it. But I do appreciate the invitation to come back, and I'm
    looking forward to giving the commencement address this year at the
    Naval Academy.
        You've inspired fans everywhere, so much so that Josh Smith's hometown radio broadcast the Navy games. And by the way,
    that radio--that hometown is in Indiana.
        The lessons you learned on the football field will prepare you for
    helping us win the war on terror. Midshipmen, you've developed
    leadership, teamwork, and strong character. You know the importance of
    setting high standards, and you know the importance of training hard to
    meet those standards. All these qualities will serve our Nation well as
    you become commissioned officers in the finest military the world has
    ever known.
        We are still at war, and many of your former teammates are serving
    and sacrificing at this very hour. Marines and sailors are leading vital
    missions in Afghanistan and Iraq and elsewhere. They're interdicting
    shipments of deadly weapons. They're maintaining America's command of
    the seas. You're helping to protect this country, and the citizens of
    America are grateful.
        We've lost some of our finest men and women in the war on terror,
    including several former Navy football players. Our Nation will always
    honor their sacrifice. The American people are safer and the world will
    be more peaceful because of the honor and courage and commitment of the
    United States Navy and Marine Corps.
        I thank you all for volunteering to serve in a cause greater than
    yourself. I'm proud of what you have achieved on the football field. I
    am confident that your service will bring even greater achievements in
    the years ahead. It's an honor to be the Commander in Chief of such a
    fine group of people.
        Congratulations again on winning the football trophy, the Commander
    in Chief Trophy. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless
    the United States of America.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:43 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Paul Johnson, head coach, and Josh
    Smith, safety, U.S. Naval Academy football team; and Vice Adm. Rodney P.
    Rempt, USN, superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy.