Navy Officer Training Command Senior Enlisted Leader Retirement Ceremony, Naval Service Training Command, Newport, Rhode Island, December 11, 2020.
Transcript
Ladies and gentlemen, I am Master Chief the Montignac. Welcome to the retirement ceremony for senior Chief Air Traffic Controller Jacqueline and Thomas, who today concludes 26 years of honorable and faithful active duty service in the United States Navy. Will the guest please rise for the arrival of the official party? Military guests remain uncovered both and pipe the side boys. Senior Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy Arriving Commander, United States Navy arriving Officer Training Command Newport Arriving. Please remain standing for the national anthem And the invocation by Lieutenant Miller. Mhm, No. Yeah, yeah. Let us pray. O Lord, our heavenly father, We first come seeking your divine favor as we gather toe honor senior Chief Jacqueline Thomas as she retires from over 26 years of service to the United States Navy. Because I reflect on the words of Proverbs 31. I reflect on the person of Senior Chief Thomas a woman throughout her service to sailors, Marines, family members and civilians around the world has been clothed with strength and dignity and earned her the ability to truly laugh and have the joy in the days to come. Many are gathered here today and many who have desired to be here are present right now, can attest that she has discharged, discharged her duties faithfully and that she has spoken with wisdom and faithful instruction. Yes, many women do noble things, but we have gathered today to recognize that in many ways she has surpassed them all, not because of her charm, her beauty, her rank or her office, all which are short lived but because she fears you, O Lord. And because of that she is to be praised. So we gather to honor her for all that her hands have done. And we pray that her work brings her praise at the city gate before your people. But more importantly, before your throne, bless her now in her going out as she passes on the reigns, as the senior enlisted adviser to this command made her legacy serve as the foundation for even greater works. We thank you for the support and dedication of her family as they have stood alongside the pair as she has stood the watch many a day as she has carried out her responsibilities as a sailor on the high seas and assure we ask your blessings upon this ceremony that we be of unity and heart and mind as we honor her service and celebrate the new chapter that is about to unfold in her and her family’s life. In your holy name, we pray. Amen. Well, the guests please be seated. The retirement summer you will witness today is steeped in tradition and dates back to the 17 hundreds. It is the Navy’s wave expressing appreciation for a job well done, a sincere official recognition of a long period of faithful and honorable service. It is a day of great significance, marking the end of originally rewarding way of life. Living and working aboard ships and the greatest navy in the world sail in the world’s oceans and defensive freedom. Highlights of her career will be reviewed with awards and commendations cited. The ceremony will conclude when a collection of senior cheese Thomas shipmates pay her a true seaman’s tribute and Piper over the side for the final time. During today’s ceremony, senior Chief Thomas will be presented with Mementos, recognizing and expressing the nation’s appreciation for 26 years of devoted service the United States flag that would be presented to her post special significance. Each Navy day begins with the ceremony off hoisting colors at 0 800 ends with lowering them at us. She has lived honorably under its both day and night for her entire career. The salutes in his honor at home and abroad, its appearance at CNN Foreign ports, the careful in ceremonies way in which it is handled all deepens its hold on heart and memory. It is a visible national symbol of the country She has served with honor. She will always remind her of the precious freedom she has defended so well. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce the presiding officer for today’s ceremony. Commander Philomena Anderson, the third the director of Officer Development School at Officer Training Command Newport, Fellow defenders of the Constitution. Good morning. What I’d like to welcome captain Hey, Zinberg, Captain Nicholson, staff other special guests. And I’d like to extend a welcome to all of our family and friends out in TV land Who can’t be with us today. Today is a day that is 26 years in the making. A journey that began in Indianola, Mississippi, back in December of 1994 a journey that has taken senior chief Thomas around the world and back. We’re here today to bid farewell to one of our fearless leaders, and though she will be missed, this is not a static ated we’re here to pay. Homage to a life has been dedicated to service and duty. Senior Chief is arguably one of the most influential leaders that we have in the United States Navy today. For thousands of newly commissioned officers, she is the standard by which they measured that she’s missed. She leaves a lasting impression in this brief time she has with these students. I recall, back in 2000 and 18, we had one of our reserve students come through, who was also a CNN contributor. He graduated here on a Friday. That Sunday he was on TV quoting Senior Chief Thomas giving credit to his time here. It also training command. That is the power that we have in this command immediate impact and that one instance her message was spread all around the world because she has such a significant impact on that young man. Day in and day out, our disease, our diaz, our class officers, they changed lives for me. What? We do it off the training command. It’s summed up in a quote from Mike Tyson’s boxing coach, the late, great custom Otto. He said that a boy comes to me with a spark of interest. I feed that’s part and it becomes the flame. I feed the flame and it becomes a fire. I feed the fire and it becomes a roaring blaze. That is exactly what we do here. It also training could mean these young men and young women. They take that first step into the darkness. They have the courage to join the United States Navy. Their reports also training command with the spark. We take that spark and we inspired greatness. We challenge them, we test them. Ultimately, we teach them what it means to be a naval officer. Collectively, the team here, it also training command inspires greatness. Senior chief Thomas has inspired greatness and thousands of men and women, and her legacy will be reflected for generations to come. That is truly a life with purpose, a life dedicated to making people better life, dedicated to inspiring others, to strive for greatness, to strive for excellence. That is what you’ve achieved senior chief, and to me it’s fitting that your career ends here. Also, training command Newport. They command where the collective staff have the singular mission to be the passers of the torch of liberty to the next generation of Naval Officer a commander. We transform citizens into leaders, and in doing so, we share with them the greatest gift, the gift of knowledge that is truly a life with purpose. The officers that we train will grow to be the men and women that America will trust because important, finished great nation. It is important to bend the Constitution of the United States. I share with every ODS class that there is a cost for our service. I know you’ve heard this many times saying, Chief, but that cost is not a financial cost. It’s that intangible cost of time. Time is one of those few commodities that cost you nothing monetarily, but it’s worth everything. Jackie, you missed birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions and Lord knows what else. You and your family can’t get that time back. But everyone in uniform we realized that that sacrifice is not made in vain. The price for freedom is eternal vigilance and we pay that price. I’ll admit that at times this cost for service, it feels like it extracts a heavy toll. But we thank God we have men and women like you who are willing to answer the call of duty. We pay that price so our fellow Americans can sleep at night. We pay that price. It’s our Children. Don’t have to grow up in a war zone. I thank you for all that you and your family has sacrificed in defense of this great nation. The long, sleepless nights, the endless deployments, bath groups, countless meal spent in solitude. Avoiding your heart on Lee filled with the anticipation of seeing your loved ones again. What makes this cost bearable is that we know we’re not in this alone. We forced lifelong bonds with our brothers and sisters in arms. We share these moments of sacrifice with kindred spirits. People were blessed to be with in these times of challenge, the memories that we have our lifelong, the things that we accomplished together as one team are the things that will be remembered. This legend, Luther Vandross, once said that house is not a home. I agree with you house is just a building, but people fill that house would love the people, make that house at home. I will say the same is true of the United States Navy. These buildings we occupy, these vessels that we traverse the seas with, they’re just structures. The people we serve with truly make this organization so great. C H e. Your presence, your candidate. Your demeanor has truly made. Also, training command home. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say that your legacy will live on in the next generation. Our future leaders had the opportunity to learn from a senior enlisted leader who wielded a strong night hand and watching you work. I’m always reminded that it’s easy to yell, but it’s hard to teach. You took that time to teach. Yes, you had a strong night, and but in your words, through your actions, our newest officers saw a leader who exhibited a humble restraint, the humility that foster trust, admiration and respect from everyone. You are truly compassionate beyond measure, but you hold people accountable for their actions. You don’t tolerate substandard performance. You’re always willing to have that hard conversation, what everyone can respect most about you is that you have the courage to tell people what they need to hear and not just what they want to hear, and you’re truly blessed with that gift of communication. But that gift is also amplified by your sincerity. And to be an effective leader you have to be willing to give of yourself. And in doing so, there’s a certain level of vulnerability that you have to be willing to accept. And with that you have to be empathetic without seeming sympathetic or apathetic. And I will tell you that your gift is truly the ability to empathize and to resonate with that sincerity. And that is a catalyst for change. You have set the bar high. You’re shining example for the newest officers that we have in the Navy. They now have a standard with which to measure their future senior enlisted leaders. And in the future, if one of their chief isn’t meeting the mark, they can probably look at them and say, I expect more of you because Sandy Thomas expected more of me very shortly. We’re gonna witness you’d be relieved of the box. And though you may stand relief I’m here to say that you will never be replaced. I will always be honored to observe with you be honored to call you my shipmate. And most importantly, I’ll be proud to call you my friend. My wish for you and your family is one of a beautiful happily ever after. Fair Winds of policies Energy Thank you, Commander Anderson Senior Chief Thomas Front and Center. Well, the guests please rise Attention to award Commander Naval Service Training Command The president of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Matori Service Medal, too. Senior chief air traffic controller, Aviation Warfare Jacqueline and Thomas, United States Navy for service as set forth in the following citation for outstanding Matori service while serving as senior enlisted leader at Officer Training Command, Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. From April 2017 to December to 2020. See you, Chief Thomas demonstrated unparalleled dedication, sharp foresight and outstanding managerial skills in the execution of her duties. She consistently set the standard for 125 military and civilian professionals and more than 7000 newly commissioned officers. Her Tyler’s devotions to sailor Marines and the Navy core value resulted in unparalleled levels of operational and training excellence across the Navy’s largest officer. A session program. She assisted with the procurement and authorization of 36 additional military buildings, the funding for a small arms simulator and the improvements to the command drill hole during the Cove in 19 Pandemic. She assisted in the incorporation of numerous safeties mitigations. Additionally, as lead recruit division commander, she did indicate 105 hours to the development and scenarios that transformed civilians into war fighters who are ready for fleet services. Senior chief. Superior Performance of Duties Communicating her 26 years of honorable and dedicated military service Seeing chief professionalism, perseverance and loyal dedication to duty reflected a great credit on her, and we’re keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service for the president. Milton J. Sansa, Third Rear Admiral, United States Navy Eddie Will the guest Please be seated. Recognizing that senior chief Thomas could not have achieved her many accomplishments alone, we now have presentations to make to her husband and her Children. I will now read Raymond a certificate of appreciation in support of his spouse during her naval career certificate of appreciation from the United States Navy to all who shipped to all who shall see these presents. Greeting This is to certify that Raymond Thomas today, after completing over 26 years of active naval service, your wife has ended and honorable and faithful service to her country, and her efforts are sincerely appreciated. Such a rich and re ruining career reflects a strong commitment to the principles of freedom and democracy and the belief that they must be upheld at any cost. That type of total commitment is not possible without the full support of the entire family. Although you may have never had to carry out a military order or deployed into hostile waters, your loyalty and steadfast support of your wife’s career can rightly be viewed as service to your country. That loyalty and dedication, where significant courses of strength for your wife during arduous duty and exemplify the highest traditions of patriotism. On behalf of the Department of the Navy and the officers and the crew of Officer Training Command Newport, I extend to you a sincere thanks and express our appreciation for a job well done given since 11 day of December 2020 M. C. Hey Zinberg, Captain, United States Navy commanding officer Officer training, commanding port I will now read Marquis A to Alicia and Terrence certificates of appreciation and support of their mother during her naval career certificate of appreciation from the United States Navy. Too old. Who shall see these presidents? Greetings to Marquita, Alicia and Terrence. By the authority vested in me, it is my pleasure to express the grateful appreciation of the United States Navy to you for enduring the frequent and long separations from your mother as she served her country thes months. Indeed, years that she spent away from you constitute a clear and normal demonstration of her love for you and her family. You see, she left you in order to ensure that you inherited a safer world. Assure peace to those who say a single person cannot make a difference. I say wrong. Your mother did. She made out navy stronger and kept on the nation state With her service to the Navy now complete, she will be able to spend more time with you in the future. The United States Navy Thanks both you and your mother for enduring these separations. Given this 11th day of December 2020 m. C Hey Zinberg, Captain, United States Navy commanding officer, officer Training Command Important in their absence in honor of her family, Senior Chief Thomas placed flowers for her mother, Earlene, and her daughters, Marquita and Alicia, and her mother in law, Betty. She also placed flags for her brother’s Tim Lewis and Roderick and her son Terrence. In keeping with naval tradition, Master Chief Sullivan will now present Senior Chief Thomas her retirement shadow box on behalf of the O. T. C n Chief Petty Officers Association. Within the Shadow box lies a sailor’s most honored and cherished possession, including the flag of the United States of America, representing a lifetime of Alia and Faithful Service. Black Presenter. Standby Master sergeant Lead will now read Old Glory Beautiful I Am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutions of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up and see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud When I am flown with my fellow banners My head is held a little higher, my colors a little truer. I bow to no one e m. Recognized all over the world. I am worshiped. I am saluted. I am loved. I am respected. I am revered and I am feared. I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh, Mathematics. I was there at San Juan Hill, Trench of France on the organ forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy. I was in the jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Tarawa, Korea, Kasan, Saigon in Vietnam, in the desert sands of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan and the heat of the Persian Gulf and a score of other places long for gotten by all except those who were there with me. I was there e I lead my soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines. I followed them and watched over them, and they loved me. I was on a small hill and Kojima I was dirty, battle worn and tired. But my Marines and sailors cheered me and I was proud. I’ve been soiled, burned, tourney and trampled on in the streets of countries that I helped to set free. It is not hurt or I am invincible. I’ve been soiled, burned, tourney and trampled in the streets of my own country. And when it is done by hope by those with whom I serve in battle, it hurts. But I shall overcome. For I am strong. I have flown over the top of the World Trade Center, and after September 11th, I have flown over its rubble to remind the evil in the world that my spirit will not be crushed and the American people will not be broken. I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and stood watch over the unchartered new frontiers of space. From my vantage point on the moon, I have been a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours. But my finest hour comes when I am thorn in the strips to be used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, or when I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent. But the gravesite of their fallen son or daughter. I am proud. My name is old glory long May I wave Dear God long May I wave Senichi Thomas On behalf of the sailors and marines that you have left, we present this black. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Senior Chief Thomas. Okay. Mhm. Thank you, Master Chief, for those. Thank you. I appreciate it. I might need these issues for those that are not aware, Master Chief right now is on convalescent leave. However, she felt it important for her to be here and share this day with me. And I wanted to speak to that to just speak to the testament is who we are as a mess. I think O t C n is by far one of the best mess I’ve been a part of. And so, first and foremost, I just want to say thank you for that. Thank you to Chapman Miller for taking the time out to come out and, um, preside over. This is Wall and thank you, sir. Commander Anderson for always being available to be here for actually appreciate. So I thought about what I wanted to say. And I was actually gonna just speak from the heart, but because I ramble on and on, I decided to do a speech, right so that I could go to the left or to the right. Eso first and foremost. I want to say good morning. Good morning to Captain. Hey, Zinberg. Captain Nicholson, Infant and family Commander Washington Commander Path and wrong O T C N. Family staff, Cheese mess and my friends Welcome. Above all, I would like to pause and give thanks to the most high. As without him, none of this is possible. Secondly, I would like to thank my family for their unwavering love and support. I would like to thank my mother for being the first example off. What a strong, faithful, graceful woman looked like your love, support, faith, work ethic and grace set the foundation of who I am today. I would like to thank my three older brothers for being my heroes. As you are my protectors, my best friends and my example of how men conduct themselves in every aspect. A special thanks to my youngest brother. Although he’s older than me, he is still my youngest brother. You are definitely my ying to my yang. I say that and I’m going to share a quick story. I vividly remember when I disclosed to you that I was joining the Navy. You were so worried as you felt you could no longer protect your little sister. You slept on the floor outside of my bedroom door to prevent me from going in Memphis. The following morning our mother went outside and help me exit my bedroom window and hopes as not to wake you as I prepared to transition to the United States Navy. When you awoke, I was long on my way to minutes. My mom said she felt so badly as you did not take me leaving very well. I have strived daily to ensure that you knew that the day I left was not in vain. And I wanted nothing more than you to be proud of. I pray that I have made you proud to my mother and father in law. Thanks a million for raising the man that God intended for me. You have done an amazing job and I am truly grateful. So my husband and best friend thank you for being the leader of our family in every regard. Thank you for showing our son how a man shows up in the world while staying true to his purpose. Thank you for showing our daughters how men should love, respect and treat them because they have witnessed it firsthand. And how you love, respect and treat us. Thank you for being my biggest supporter. Thank you for being my leader. My provider, my mentor and definitely my best friend. You are a reflection of my heartbeat. And I love you beyond measure to my three additional heartbeats. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for unselfishly sharing me your entire lives. I have so many stories that I could share in reference to you extended Grace to me and others. But I would like to share this one specific story. I was the first class petty officer studying for my master training specialist. You also pride in assisting me on the weekends and Q and A sessions the day my board arrived. You wish me good luck. And we discussed what time the board would actually what time the board was scheduled. For each of you told your teachers and your school nurse that they cannot contact me until after 1100. Because by then I would have become a master training specialist. I just want to tell you. Thank you. Thank you. Beyond words. Thank you for not giving your dad and I much trouble as you grow into your own identities. Thank you for allowing us the gift of still leading you as you become the unapologetically confident, intelligent, faithful, beautiful individuals that we have invested diligently in. Continue to work on becoming the best versions of yourselves and leap into your own purpose. I love you beyond the definition of these words and beyond any actions that you have already experienced from us. Thank you to my friends and mentors that could not join us today. I’m going to name a few. Please Excuse me if I forget some because I have so many, but to name a few. Some of these individuals have retired. I would like to thank Command Master Chief Chris Penton, Command Master Chief Mac Ellis, Fleet Master Chief April Belled Oh, Command Master Chief Kareem Coal Master Chief Petty Officer Holly Williams, Lieutenant Commander Ken Nichols, Master Chief Petty Officer Mari Strickland, Matthew Petty Officer Andrew Jeter, Master Chief Petty Officer Andrea Campbell, Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant Commander Sandiford. Lieutenant Commander Leela Finnegan Massey Petty Officer Ronis, A Nation Senior Chief Petty Officer Aretha Gregory. Senior Chief Petty Officer Rudy Liverpool Senior Chief Petty Officer Older Madalena Senior Chief Petty Officer Luis Valdez, BMC Squires, A C C. Which is a traffic control. No military People know this, but I have my family watching, so they probably don’t know what that means. Air traffic control Night Houghton, Damien, Gregory, Durant and Jackie. Guys, I wanna thank ah. Host of all my proteges. I have one here with me today. The one that presented me my flag. Um and I would like to just say I love you and thank you for choosing me. Thank you for choosing me as your protege, but also those that I mentor. Thank you for choosing me as your mental. It means the world. So Captain Nicholson, Commander Brown, Commander Anderson and Commander Boots, Thank you for being a definition of inspirational leadership. My journey as a senior enlisted leaders started with you. Each of you lead from the front by meeting me where I waas you offer countless mentorship sessions and allowed me room to grow personally and professionally, all while continuously raising the bar. You instilled. That leadership also included empathy and extending grace. Thank you. So, Captain. Hey, Zinberg, Commander Pathan Roth and Commander Washington. Thank you for trusting me and allow me to remain your s e l Thank you for your support, your candor and your countless conversation. I truly thank you. So the Chief Smith and a drill instructors Thank you for your dedication. Yes. Support your honesty, your commitment, your sister and brotherhood. We steered this process together and became better leaders because of it. Thank you for trusting me to lead you all while holding me accountable. And allow me room to grow a swell thank you. And I will miss you dearly. So my wardrobe Thank you for your support and trusting me to navigate the waters with you. Continue to be the officers that our sailors that our students want to see. So my tech trainer sailors thank you for making my journey as the s e l one that we will be remembered as my best duty station. As your work ethic, your passion and your professionalism is unmatched. to my civilians. Thank you for your support. Thank you for the countless conversations and mentorship and allow me to serve as your senior enlisted leaders. So all of my future leaders, please remember, the titles hold expectations, and often those expectations can become heavy. Take time to reflect and ask yourself, What is the reference point of effective leadership? And who are you beyond what others perceive you to be? Please take the time to reflect on that. In closing, I would like to offer that aside from one’s time respect, it’s the greatest gift that you can give you. Thank you. In the late 17 hundreds, the United States Navy set sail with new ideas, new goals and a desire to build traditions that will last through the test of time. The United States Navy led the way with providing honest recruitment. 1800 saw enlisted men holding retirement for enlisted men for the first time, the captain would allow the jolly boat to take the enlisted retiree ashore. Then, after the Silver War, commanding officers began to hold enlisted retirement ceremonies to show the crew that he and the Navy recognize the contribution of its enlisted crewman. all chief petty officers past and present. Please stand and cover for the reading of the chief Petty Officers Retirement Creed by a retired chief, Williams Squires, You have on this day experienced that which comes to all of us who served on active duty in our Navy. I say our Navy, because your departure from active duty in no way terminates your relationship by law and tradition, U. S Navy retirees are always on the rolls Ever ready toe, lend their service when the need arises. The respect that you earned as the chief was based on the same attributes that you will now carry into retirement. You should have no regrets. Do not view your retirement as the end of an era, but rather his orders to a new and challenging assignment to a form of independent duty. Remember? Well, that you have been and will always be unaccepted number of the most exclusive of all fraternities, that of the U. S. Navy Chief Petty officers, The active duty chiefs salute you and salute Ready to you’re retired. Chiefs welcome you. I wish you the traditional fair winds and following seas. Please be seated. Senichi Terry. Well, now recite the watch, right? What? Right, right up there. Watch Dan. Lots of relieved by the maybe Cry 95 pipe in the side. This order has been passed on naval ships from the 15 hundreds through today. Spanish, French, English, Dutch. Yes, all navies of the world use the boats and side boys and called to bring aboard or sent ashore all ship’s company officers, visiting officers, dignitaries and VIPs. The side boys will hold on the ropes and raise the lower the boarding platforms. The officers would not have to climb the ratlines, which were hanging over the sides and used by the enlisted crew when going ashore or to get aboard this honor was extended to visiting officers, dignitaries and port officials. It was not uncommon for the commanding officer of a ship toe order up the jolly boat a crew of eight strong back side boys in Boston to send an old ship made to his shore retirement home never to sail on naval ships again. All hands on deck was passed. Features were made about great victories. Battles fought upon this open sea, raging storm weathered and voyages to distance and strange land with protocols others only dreamed about. Well, the guests please rise and remain standing through the remainder of the ceremony. All cheese passed in Paris. It man the rails. Chaplain Miller will now deliver the benediction. Let us pray. Oh, Lord, A senior Chief Thomas departs. We ask that you strengthen her confidence that your hand is upon her to lead her and to use her and working out your purpose in the world. Even though she may not see the distance seen, let her be willing to take one step at a time and trust in you for the rest. Give her boldness of faith that has conviction as well as vision steeped with godly action and emotion and take from her all fear except the fear Failing to do your will for us all. I ask that you o Lord lesson keep us. May you grant us strength to live through troubled times May you fill us with grace equal to every need and your piece which surpasses all understanding. May you grant us the wisdom and the will to do justice toe love mercy and to walk humbly with you And may you surround us with your love and lead us in the path of everlasting life. In your name, we pray. Amen. See, the chief Thomas will now report to Commander Anderson and repressed request permission to go ashore for the last time. Senior chairs, Air Traffic Controller Jacqueline and Thomas, United States Navy. Retired, departed. Okay, ground and representation of her family. Senior Chief Thomas is holding the flag that was presented to her that she will be presenting to her husband, Raymond Thomas. Navy family retired departing. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the retirement ceremony for Senior Chief Thomas on behalf of Officer Training Command Newport and Senior Chief Thomas. Thank you for attending. You’re right, right?