MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- President Barack Obama speaks to Marines and sailors aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 27, 2009. On the stage behind him are, from right to left, the commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik; Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen; Secretary of Defense, Robert M. Gates; and National Security Advisor and former Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James L. Jones.