National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Deputy Director Sue Gordon, and guest speaker, retired Marine Col. Phillip Chudoba, honored the Marine Corps' history and traditions during a 240th birthday celebration Nov. 10 at the agency's headquarters in Springfield, Virginia.

Gordon lauded the Marines and thanked them for the important work they do for the agency and the nation.

"What we do as a combat agency and what you do as a military service, mutually support our respective objectives," said Gordon. "This symbiotic partnership between NGA and the Marine Corps makes us both stronger and more capable."

Chudoba, who serves as assistant director of intelligence at Marine Corps headquarters, also spoke about values shared by NGA and the Marine Corps, one of which is the stellar commitment to mission and people, said Chudoba.

"They [Marines] come to learn that the team is more important than the individual, and that the mission is more important than the team," said Chudoba.

The annual Marine Corps birthday celebration also included a reading of "Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921," a cake-cutting ceremony, recognition of Marine veterans and Marine families, and the singing of the Marines' Hymn.

"Your motivation and dedication to the mission never cease to inspire," said Gordon. "We're immensely proud of the important work you do all day, every day."