BARKING SANDS – Monday, Nov. 22 was a day of long-standing Naval tradition as Capt. James Bowlin was relieved of his command at PMRF and Capt. Brian Moss took over this important post. In preparation for the event, the grounds
BARKING SANDS – Monday, Nov. 22 was a day of long-standing Naval tradition as
Capt. James Bowlin was relieved of his command at PMRF and Capt. Brian Moss
took over this important post.
In preparation for the event, the grounds
and buildings of PMRF were as carefully manicured and prepared as those of the
nation’s Capitol.
Hundreds of workers busied themselves in the Commanding
Officers courtyard and in the adjacent parade field, setting up tables and
tents, decorating, raking and attending to all last minute details. Crews even
hauled in a SEPTAR boat and two C-26 aircraft for added flair.
Sailors in
their finest ‘dress whites’ paraded onto the colorfully-decorated parade field
and stood at attention for the Parading of the Colors, the national Anthem, the
Hawai’i State Anthem and the Invocation, which was provided by Cdr. Luther
Alexander.
Rear Admiral John Townes III spoke to the audience, which
included local community leaders, members of the Navy League, and friends and
families of PMRF personnel. Captains Bowlin and Moss provided speeches and
engaged in the traditional “Reading of Orders’.
True to tradition,
the Change of Command was a spectacular and emotional event.
The
ceremonies, customs and traditions of today’s U.S. Navy antedate the Christian
era and draw their origin from ancient customs and laws of the sea begun in
historic times by seafaring men.
These customs were then gradually merged
into the British Admiralty, and under this influence, the Father of the U.S.
Navy, John Paul Jones gave the Navy its earliest traditions of heroism and
victory.
Following the ceremony a delicious spread of appetizers, provided
by Shennanigan’s, greeted the guests.
Many hours of labor and an array of
manpower went into setting up for the event and cleaning up afterwards, making
not only the formal ceremony an event to remember, but also seeing the teamwork
of the PMRF ohana at work provided a rich, rewarding experience for all.
