In a commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy's graduation ceremony, Vice President Kamala Harris told cadets that they are graduating into an "unsettled world," where "long-established principles now stand on shaky ground, where the rule of law in places is strained, where rules and norms are under question."

But, she said, the graduating cadets represent the "very best of America" and said that the United States will need their leadership "both in today's unsettled world and far into the bright, beautiful future."

The vice president was introduced by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who told the graduating cadets that "as commissioned officers, you will bring honor to the nearly 232 years that have made our Coast Guard the proud, noble military service that it is."

"That history was built by Coasties who sailed through breaking waves to keep America safe and those who flew through hurricanes to execute our missions," he said. "We cannot leave out the pilots. You are all a part of the long blue line."

"Each of you has the opportunity – in fact, the responsibility – to build a veteran Coast Guard for the classmates beside you, for the family behind you and for the Coasties whom you will lead," Mayorkas said. "You are new leaders, you will lead with honor and honor will be the reward for what you give."

"We understand the sacrifices you and your loved ones make in the pursuit of military service. We also understand the pride that comes from that service," he said, adding: "Semper Paratus," the Coast Guard's motto, meaning "Always Ready."

Harris began her remarks by honoring the graduating cadets for their service and achievements, as well as those of Admiral Karl L. Schultz, the Coast Guard's commandant, who is stepping down at the end of the month.

"We truly have a gift in your life of service," she said of Admiral Schultz and Rear Admiral William G. Kelly, the academy's superintendent. "Thank you for that."

"I hope you look to your left and look to your right and know you have made lifelong friendships," she said to the graduating cadets. "You have dedicated yourselves to relationships that will last throughout your career. And you made it through together in such a demanding military training and a rigorous academic program in order to serve your country in the world's greatest Coast Guard – I should note that has been strengthened, of course, under the leadership of Admiral Schultz and the Coast Guard."

Harris, in her remarks, reflected on the state of the world in which long-standing rules and norms are more frequently coming under attack, specifically making mention of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, telling the cadets that they are graduating "into a world is going to need your leadership; One that is full of possibility and the promise of progress. At the same time, the world you graduate into is unsettled."

"It is a world where long-established principles now stand on shaky ground, where the rule of law in places is strained, where rules and norms are under question," she said.

"We see this in Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine where fundamental principles are under threat," she continued. "Principles well-grounded in the belief that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations must be respected, the belief that all people have a right to peacefully choose their own leaders, and that borders must not be changed by force. For a time, it seemed as though these rules and norms would prevail. Now, they are being called into question."

“And the challenges we face are broader than Russia,” Harris continued. “Around the world, we see additional attempts to undermine the rules-based order: Nations that threaten the freedom of the seas; criminal gangs and traffickers who skirt the rule of law, and fuel corruption and violence; those that manipulate and undermine the foundations of international commerce.”

"When I think about protecting the security of the United States and the world, one of our defining missions is to strengthen the international rules-based order to defend it, promote it, and to build on it," she said. "Over time, this order has been tried and this order has been tested, and far too often I will share with you, I think we have taken it for granted. Frankly, sometimes we forget how rare it is in human history to have a period of relative peace and stability among nations."

"We must remember upholding a system of laws, institutions and common understandings is how we ensure the safety and security and prosperity of the United States and this is how we preserve stability in the world," she said, addressing the graduates directly. "Cadets, this is where you come in."

"Cadets, this is where you come in: In addition to the work you will do at home, you will serve a vital role in advancing our nation’s interests abroad," Harris said to the graduates, telling them about a recent meeting she had with leaders Southeast Asian nations and how essential the Coast Guard is not just to U.S. national security, but to interests of those nations, including law enforcement and cracking down on illegal fishing in the region.

"What I will tell you, as the bells ring, is the presence of the United States Coast Guard is a reminder to the world that we as the United States are committed to a free and open Indo Pacific and that it is a priority for our own national security," she said, adding that their influence extends far beyond that region of the globe, but around the world.

Harris also made mention of the recent deadly, racist attack at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket, which saw 10 people killed.

"It is impossible to ignore that we gather mere days after a horrific attack of hate in Buffalo, New York," she said. "Another despicable act in the epidemic ... of hate that we must condemn."

"I spoke earlier about international rules and norms, but there are also rules and norms that what we must, as Americans, hold on to, as each other, as Americans," she said. "Rules and norms founded in the belief that a harm against any one of us is a harm against all of us. That hate and violence have no place here in America. And that we are we are all in this together as one nation, undivided."

"I look out at you cadets and I see the very best of America," she continued. "I see a group of individuals, each with your own life experience. A group who came together to become a strong unit in service to the greater good, a group bound by shared values and the belief that out of many, one, enter as many, leave as one. As a nation, we're going to count on you to hold us to that idea."

Harris told the graduates that what they do in their service to the Coast Guard will have direct impacts on their families and communities in the U.S.

"When you patrol the American shores, looking for drug traffickers you will help prevent harmful products from reaching our communities," she said. "When you work on critical and emerging areas like cybersecurity and the climate crisis, you will help push our country forward into new frontiers. In everything you do, you will embody America's values and you will enhance our strength as a nation, which is why your role in both the world and the Coast Guard is so important."

"You came of age in a post-9/11 era defined by threats like the climate crisis and a global health pandemic," she continued. "You are familiar with a world that frankly feels strange and new to so many of us. And I believe you have the ability to see what can be unburdened of what has been, learn from the past, but not be limited by it to identify new opportunities for our Coast Guard, to lead both in today's unsettled world and far into the bright, beautiful future. We need your perspective and we need your expertise."

"President Biden and I have great faith in your ability," she concluded. "We know you are ready, ready to serve. And your country is so proud of you."

President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver the commencement address at this year’s Naval Academy graduation later this month.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.