Under new management

There was a change of command at Zac's work today. The captain who had been there for the last three years was relieved by a new captain. The transition was accompanied by all the pomp and circumstance I have come to expect from the Navy. (The Navy loves its pomp and circumstance. Bunting? Check. Band? Check. Dress uniforms? Check. Let's celebrate!) It was actually a touching ceremony, even for someone as cynical as I am. The ceremony was comprised of one speaker talking about the outgoing captain, the outgoing captain making some remarks, and the incoming captain saying a brief hello.

It was moving to see the outgoing captain reflect fondly on the last three years as the, "best three years of [his] professional life," and knowing his words to be genuine and true. I suppose it would be easy to say, "Of course he said that," but from the description of what this captain and this command have achieved in the last three years, I could see where he would believe it to be a major professional accomplishment.

And you couldn't help but feel a little lump in your throat when the captain choked up and had a hard time saying goodbye to the sailors standing to honor him. The captain was awarded a ribbon for his service, and he choked out an acceptance saying that every thread, every fiber of the ribbon was because of the sailors that he served with. There wasn't anything contrived about it. It was honest affection and respect for his fellow sailors, enlisted and officer.

After the ceremony, the band started playing some jazz standards and everyone ate and said goodbye to the outgoing captain and hello to the incoming one. The outgoing captain nearly disappeared underneath a mountain of leis. He must have had 30-40 leis on him. It was sweet. It was a formal affair - everyone in their dress whites. It was very proper, very dignified. Zac looked sharp. It was the first time he has had to wear his chief dress whites, and while he had a few technical hiccups getting it in line with regs, it ended up looking really good.