VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Over 700 sailors and leadership from squadrons and commands based at Naval Air Station Oceana packed into the Globemasters’ hangar Wednesday to hear remarks from Vice President JD Vance about the 250th anniversary of the nation’s military.

“When we talk about the Declaration of Independence that protects life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness, it is your protective blanket that guarantees the life of every single one of our citizens. It is your dedication that ensures the liberty of every single one of our citizens,” said Vance. “It is your dedication that ensures the liberty of every single one of our citizens, and it would be impossible for our fellow Americans to pursue happiness were it not for the hard work, the dedication, the sacrifice and yes, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice provided by the people who wear the uniform.”

Vance was introduced by U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins. Kiggans talked about her experience as a Navy pilot and being on the flight line at Oceana on 9/11.

“For me, just being one of you and being back here and being able to bring such distinguished people with us to be able to celebrate not just you all, but to celebrate our country and what’s amazing about the United States of America — the pride, the patriotism that we should all have no matter what side of the aisle, what political persuasion you prescribe to. We are on the verge of celebrating 250 great years of our United States,” Kiggans said.

A 24-year Air Force veteran, Collins spoke of what servicemembers should expect on the other side of their service.

“Please know that we’re also getting ready for later in life. And the VA will be there for you because we don’t ever forget our own.”

Vance descended from Air Force Two around 11:30 a.m. and took the stage in front of a large blue “250 Years of American Military Excellence” banner.

He opened with a joke about former president Joe Biden falling down.

“You know what I’m thinking as I’m coming down the steps is ‘don’t fall and bust your ass in front of all you and in front of all these cameras’ because they would never let me live that one down,” said Vance. “Because I’m speaking to all of you great patriots and service members, I’ve got the angel on my shoulder saying, ‘JD, don’t be partisan.’ I think it’s nonpartisan that I’ve got the devil on my shoulder who wants to talk about every time that Joe Biden fell up or down the stairs.”

He thanked the servicemembers in attendance for their efforts in recent deployments, shouting out the air wing that was attached to the Ford for its 11 months at sea.

“In the last 18 months the President of the United States has asked you to do more than I think any group of service members has ever been asked to do and yet you’ve done it. Every single time you’ve answered the call, every single time we’ve given you a mission, you’ve accomplished it with pride and vigor. Ladies and gentlemen, you are what makes America great and you should be celebrating our 250th birthday better than anybody in the United States of America because you’ve earned it.”

Vance spoke in frank terms about what the Trump administration has asked of servicemembers in its first 18 months, and said that they should expect “a defined mission” when it comes to war.

“You put on the uniform, you offer to sacrifice ultimately for the benefit of this nation, but what you should demand in return is that when we ask you to go and do something, we tell you exactly what we want you to accomplish,” Vance said.

Later, he circled back to that promise.

“You have a presidential leadership today that will never ask you to go to war unless he’s telling you why you’re going to war. And most importantly, when he sends you to war, he gives you the tools you need to kick the hell out of the enemy and come home safely. That’s what you deserve,” he said.

Lt. Cmdr. Hal Jones, a Navy chaplain from Great Bridge, said he enjoyed being part of the day’s events — and that it’s an exciting time to be an American.

“I definitely agree with (Vance) that the reason that we’re celebrating 250 is because of all the sacrifices of people that have worn the uniform since its founding 250 years ago,” Jones said.

In closing, Vance encouraged attendees to celebrate.

“Because of you, my friends, the next 250 years of the United States of America are going to be better than the last 250 years.”

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