UNIVERSITY — Navy Secretary Ray Mabus attended Saturday’s Ole Miss-Alabama match to promote what he calls America’s “away team”, the U.S. Navy. Mabus, who was Mississippi’s governor from 1988-1992, made a surprise announcement during the first quarter that he would name two Navy destroyers in honor of two Marines from Mississippi who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during World War II. Mabus stated that he visits Mississippi to announce the names of ships at football games and throw out the first pitches at baseball parks as part of his efforts to “connect the American people to their military” since “Americans don’t get to see them very often – we’re America’s “Away Team”. He also noted that by naming the ships during sporting events that usually draw between 50,000 and 75,000 attendees, he helps the public to make a connection with the military which is mainly deployed overseas in the war against terrorism. The names of the ships were announced by Mabus at Vaught Hemingway Stadium. This was a record for the state and a standing ovation. It is exactly the kind of enthusiasm Mabus hopes to instill through his appearances. Lucas, a 16 year old, enlisted in Marines and fell from two grenades while trying to save his fellow Marines during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He is the youngest Marine to ever receive the Medal of Honor. He was able to return to Hattiesburg, and then he served in the Army. Wilson sustained severe injuries during the successful defense of Guam against overwhelming odds. He later rose to the rank of General and served as Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was also the first commandant to join the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mabus, who was ambassador to Saudi Arabia during President Bill Clinton’s presidency, has been criticised for his choice of ship names. He insists that he has been “more traditionalist than most secretaries to the Navy have been”, in keeping with years of naming conventions. Mabus stated that he was able to name 86 ships and recognize outstanding Americans, states, and cities. He noted that Harvey Milk was named after him because he gets the chance to correct a wrong every now and again in his job. Milk was the first openly homosexual person to be elected to office in California in 1978. He was killed at San Francisco City Hall. When his sexual orientation was revealed, he was also a Navy diver. Mabus stated that he has also named ships for Medgar Evers (Mississippi civil rights champion), Amelia Earhart (aviator), and Lewis & Clark. Mabus, a native of Ackerman who served as state auditor and also served as a Navy Secretary, can now wear the “away” badge. He has logged 1.3million miles in his capacity as Navy Secretary, a post he was appointed to by President Barack Obama in 2009. Mabus was also featured in Friday’s “Life of Public Service” conversation at the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics, Meek School of Journalism and New Media. Charles L. Overby is a member of the board at Mississippi Today. The Ole Miss graduate said that he plans to leave the Navy post in January 2017, before Obama leaves office. Mabus stated that he has no plans beyond spending more time with his family, Lynne, a nurse, and their three daughters, Elisabeth, Annie, and Kate, who are all young adults following their interests. “I hope I’m able to continue doing things that are relevant, make a difference,” Mabus, a Democrat was asked about Trump’s comments that he “knows more” about ISIS than the generals. Mabus noted that he had his own experiences in transitioning from civilian life to the post of Navy secretary. He said, “When I arrived as secretary, I was briefed daily in one-hour chunks starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m…. for six weeks.” “That was to get me up to speed on the Navy and Marine Corps.” It’s difficult for anyone looking in from the outside.” Mabus added: * Concerning Mississippi’s national standings near the bottom, Mabus stated that “There’s only one way out, and that’s education.” We are not doing the job of anyone in education.” Mabus stated that the military can only recruit 25 percent of Americans between 18 and 24, because 75 percent cannot meet the requirements for education, physical conditions or have been incarcerated. * On using social media to promote Navy – “Our target market is people between 18 and 35.” “That’s how they communicate, and that’s what you have to do.” He also stated that social media can be used to bridge the gap between the military community and the American people. He is on Facebook as Secretary of the Navy, and his Twitter handle @SECNAV.