.............To the officers and men of the finest Maintenance Unit in the Navy, I wish to both say good-bye and to express the pleasure and privilege it has been for me to know you, work with you and live among you.

.............Never have I personally been treated better anywhere under any circumstances than I have been by everyone in 624 on Okinawa.

.............You have all measured up to the finest traditions of the American Navy, and in deed you have created some new traditions, of which the Navy will always be proud. The Sea Bees and Maintenance Units have contibuted largely to our remarkable victorious march to total victory in the Pacific. It is safe to say that you, and the men and officers of your corps, have by their loyal, faithful, enthusiastic hard work, amazing ingenuity and unparalleled team work, not only took a major part in our ultimate victory but actually shortened this war by many, many months, thereby saving untold thousands of American lives.

.............You in 624 were privileged to be in on the final battle that ended for once and all the hellish dreams of world conquest by the Jap Empire. Okinawa will go down in military history as one of the great and most decisive in all history.

.............You played a vital part in that great historic battle. In all the military annals there has never been anything like the organization and work of the Sea Bees.

.............Your courageous, tireless and magnificent work will be remembered as long as there is American history.

.............Your work, from the beginning on this island, made it possible for the Marine planes to fly in the vital defense of Okinawa. You were as much a part of that heroic air defense as if you flew the planes yourselfs (sic).

.............I am proud to have had you in my command, and consider it a high privilege to have been associated with you.

.............It is a high honor to call each and every one of you - "Shipmate".

.............I leave you now for other work to which I have been called, but I will always consider myself part of 624. I am hereby assuming a new title.

.............Good-bye, good luck, and hopes that you will all be home soon.

..............................................................................Affectionately,

...........................................................................................A Marine Sea Bee.

..............................................................................Mel Maas
..............................................................................MELVIN J. MAAS,
..............................................................................Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve,
..............................................................................Air Base Commander