Statement by Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis:
We have lost a man who steadfastly represented the best ideals of our country.
As a Naval Officer and defiant prisoner of war, John McCain stood with his brothers-in-arms until they returned home together.
Passionately committed to our country, Senator McCain always put service to the Nation before self.
He recognized that for our experiment in democracy to long endure, people of action and passion must serve.
In this he represented what he believed, that “a shared purpose does not claim our identity—on the contrary, it enlarges your sense of self.”
His was a life well lived, one whose actions epitomized the motto of his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy: non sibi, sed patriae—“not for self, but for country.”
On behalf of all of the men and women of the Department of Defense, we will remain forever grateful for the life, the passion, and the example of Senator John McCain.
Our sympathy and kindest wishes are with Cindy and his family.
My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best.
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 26, 2018
Senator John McCain
John McCain was born at the Coco Solo Naval Station in Panama on August 29, 1936.
His father and paternal grandfather were both admirals in the US Navy, and he followed in their footsteps, graduating from the United States Naval Academy in Maryland in 1958.
Serving as a Navy pilot, Senator McCain was almost killed in a fire on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal during the Vietnam War.
On his 23rd combat mission over Vietnam in 1967, his plane was shot down.
He spent five-and-half years in captivity, including two in solitary confinement, and was subjected to frequent beatings and torture.
In the Senate, he was a critic of harsh interrogation techniques such as “waterboarding” or simulated drowning.
First elected to the US House of Representatives in 1982, Senator McCain won his first term in the Senate in 1986.
Seen as a maverick in his campaign for the 2000 Republican presidential nomination, Senator McCain gave then-Texas governor George W Bush a scare by winning the first-in-the-nation primary state of New Hampshire by 18 percentage points.
Senator McCain is survived by his wife Cindy and seven children.
His body will soon lie in state at both the Arizona Capitol and the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, and a full dress funeral will be held for him at Washington National Cathedral before he is ultimately buried in Annapolis, Maryland.
(Learn More. Courtesy of ABC News (Australia) and YouTube. Posted on Aug 25, 2018.)
Statement by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.:
Senator McCain exemplified what it means to be a warrior and dedicated public servant. Both as a naval officer and as a member of Congress, he was a lifelong and tireless advocate for the men and women of the U.S. military.
He traveled the world to meet personally with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, to hear what they had to say, and to see firsthand our military in action on the front lines.
Senator McCain recognized the sacrifice and hardships military members and their families can experience and proudly served as their champion in Congress.
He visited our nation’s wounded warriors around the country to offer encouragement and to thank them for their service.
Through his tenacious and selfless leadership in the Senate, he fought hard to ensure our Armed Forces remained strong and had the support and resources needed to succeed when placed in harm’s way.
While we mourn Senator McCain’s passing, we are eternally grateful for his distinguished service to our nation, his advocacy of the U.S. military, and the incredible example he set for us all.
(Learn More. Sen. John McCain was elected to the House in 1982, serving two terms before successfully running for the Senate, where he represented Arizona for the next 30 years. In this series of interviews, Sen. McCain’s colleagues in Congress reflect on his long career, and service to the country. Courtesy of the Washington Post and YouTube. Posted on Aug 26, 2018.)
Statement by Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer:
Today, the Navy and Marine Corps team lost a friend and one of our own when Senator John McCain passed.
From the Naval Academy to flight school and throughout his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain displayed unfailing honor and duty to country.
If that was the end of his service, he would still be renowned as a hero, but McCain’s desire to serve didn’t stop when his uniform came off.
He continued to serve as a representative and senator from Arizona.
Throughout his life, McCain never ceased serving our nation or fighting for what he believed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the McCain family, their friends and loved ones.
Everyone on the Navy and Marine Corps team shares this loss with all who had the fortune of knowing Sen. John McCain.
I love you forever – my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018
Statement by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson:
The nation has lost a great patriot and warrior.
Whenever we were in a tough spot, we knew Sen. McCain would be on our side with his characteristic toughness and integrity.
The U.S. Navy mourns the loss of a true shipmate. Our prayers go with him and to his family, that they find consolation.
May Sen. John McCain, who never flinched from a worthy fight, rest in a well-deserved peace.
Statement by USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) commanding officer Cmdr. Micah Murphy:
On behalf of the crew of USS John S. McCain, I offer our support and prayers to the McCain family, our gratitude to the senator for his years of service to our nation, and a heartfelt traditional Navy sendoff: ‘Fair winds and following seas.’
It is an honor to have our mighty warship carry on your name and continue your legacy.
DDG-56’s name honors three generations of dedicated service to the Navy and nation.
Sen. McCain’s father, Adm. John S. McCain, Jr. served as U.S. Pacific Command commander.
(The Honorable Richard V. Spencer (SECNAV) delivers remarks and announcements on board USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), currently home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan, during the induction of Senator McCain as a USS John S. McCain Namesake. Courtesy of the U.S. Navy and YouTube. Posted on Jul 12, 2018.)
