Adm. Michael G. Mullen told the Class of 2008 that the military faces new challenges, but is much more respected today than when he graduated from the Naval Academy 40 years ago, also in a time of war.

"Americans didn't value their military in 1968," he said, acknowledging the strong support the military enjoys today.

"Our military nearly broke. We must never let that happen again," he said.

Adm. Mullen was introduced by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, who commended the graduates on choosing the difficult path of joining the military at a time of war. He greeted to the class of 2008 with: "Well done."

"Now your focus will shift to the new challenges in front of you. You have not chosen an easy path ... You serve at a time when terrorists make no secrets of their goals."

He said the graduates are part of a "generation of patriots."