Biden told 1,200 graduating cadets in Maryland, that they are entering military service at a time of many global challenges and they will be charged with helping "preserve stability in an uncertain world."

Just back from a week in Asia, Biden said the Indo-Pacific maritime theater will be the "leading edge" of the US response to natural and humanitarian disasters there.

"You'll defend the international rules of the road, underwrite the future of the Indo-Pacific that is free and open, ensure freedom of navigation of the South China Sea and beyond, and make sure the sealanes remain open and secure," he said. 

These long-standing basic maritime principles are the bedrock of a global economy and global stability, Biden noted.