President George W. Bush on Tuesday made his third and final trip as commander in chief to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point.

In a speech to cadets, Bush gave a full-throated defense of his policy, known as the Bush Doctrine, of pre-emptive military action. He said after the Sept. 11 attacks, the country resolved that it would not be attacked again and would go on the offensive.

Bush noted that the commitment of his administration to national security has made the American military stronger that it was when he first took office eight years ago.

Some members of the audience at West Point agree.

?We're happy with all the policy changes that he's been making and feel they've been very beneficial towards the Academy,? says cadet David Watts.

It was at West Point on June 1, 2002, that Bush evoked the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and Gen. George C. Marshall's words about the United States as a symbol of freedom and power as he described a new, robust military policy.

Bush was greeted by cheers and loud applause. The president later met for a private question-and-answer session with seniors graduating from the academy.

Due to heightened security associated with the president?s visit, officials at the Academy decided to cancel classes for the day.

AP wire services were used in this report.

For President Bush's final address to West Point cadets, go to your digital cable box and select iO Extra, Channel 612.