MASTER OF CEREMONIES
SCRIPT
RETIREMENT CEREMONY
NCC (SW/AW) AURTNEY B LADLER.
31 MAY 2012
0955
M/C
“THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN IN 5 MINS
PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC
DEVICES FOR THE DURATION OF THE
CEREMONY……THANK YOU.”
1000
M/C
“GOOD MORNING. WELCOME TO THE
RETIREMENT CEREMONY FOR CHIEF NAVY
COUNSELOR SURFACE
WARFARE/AVIATION WARFARE
SPECIALIST AURTNEY(ORTNEY) B.
LADLER.”
“I AM MASTER CHIEF POLLYANNA NEELY
AND I AM YOUR MASTER OF CERMONIES
FOR TODAY’S EVENT.”
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE RISE
FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE OFFICIAL
PARTY AND REMAIN STANDING FOR THE
NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE
INVOCATION.”
(TWO BELLS)
M/C
“CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ARRIVING”
(TWO BELLS)
M/C
“LIEUTENANT UNITED STATES NAVY
ARRIVING”
(OFFICIAL PARTY PROCEEDS TO THEIR
CHAIRS ON STAGE AND STAND IN FRONT
OF THEM AWAITING COLORS)
M/C
“PARADE THE COLORS”
(COLORS PROCEED TO MIDDLE FRONT.)
(NATIONAL ANTHEM. (CD))
M/C
“RETIRE THE COLORS”
(PAUSE UNTIL COLORS ARE PAST
SECOND ROWN).
“SIDE BOYS POST”
(SIDE BOYS RETURN TO SEATS.)
M/C
“PASTOR YVONNE WRIGHT-DUNN WILL
NOW DELIVER THE INVOCATION.”
(INVOCATION.)
M/C “PLEASE BE SEATED
THE RETIREMENT CEREMONY IS THE
NATION’S EXPRESSION OF IT’S
APPRECIATION FOR A JOB WELL DONE.
IT’S A SINCERE OFFICIAL RECOGNITION
OF A LONG PERIOD OF FAITHFUL AND
HONORABLE SERVICE. OFTEN REFERRED
TO AS “SWALLOWING THE ANCHOR”, IT IS
A DAY OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE. IT
MARKS THE END OF THE RICHLY
REWARDING WAY OF LIFE, LIVING AND
WORKING ABOARD SHIPS, AND SAILING
THE WORLD’S OCEANS IN DEFENSE OF
FREEDOM. SHIPMATES FROM THE
SAILOR’S LAST DUTY STATION ARE
FORMALLY ASSEMBLED AND HIGHLIGHTS
OF THE SAILOR’S CAREER ARE
REVIEWED, AWARDS AND
COMMENDATIONS CITED, AND THE
SENIOR OFFICER PROPERLY BIDS THEM
FAREWELL.
TRADITIONALLY DURING THE CEREMONY
THE SAILOR AND THEIR FAMILY WILL BE
PRESENTED WITH MEMENTOS
RECOGNIZING AND EXPRESSING THE
NATION’S APPRECIATION FOR YEARS OF
SERVICE AND FAMILY SUPPORT. THE
UNITED STATES FLAG IS PRESENTED TO
THE RETIREE, AND IS OF SPECIAL
SIGNIFICANCE. EACH NAVY DAY BEGINS
WITH THE CEREMONY OF HOISTING
COLORS AT 0800 AND ENDS WITH
LOWERING THEM AT DUSK. CHIEF
LADLER HAS LIVED FIGURATIVELY UNDER
IT’S FOLDS DAY AND NIGHT FOR HIS
WHOLE CAREER. THE SALUTES IN IT’S
HONOR HERE AND ABROAD, IT’S
APPEARANCE AT SEA AND IN FOREIGN
PORTS, THE CAREFUL CEREMONIOUS
WAY IN WHICH IT IS HANDLED ALL
DEEPEN IT’S HOLD ON THE HEART AND
MEMORY. THE FLAG IS A VISIBLE
NATIONAL SYMBOL OF THE COUNTRY
CHIEF LADLER SERVED WITH HONOR AND
WILL ALWAYS REMIND HIM OF THE
PRECIOUS FREEDOM HE DENFENDED SO
WELL.
THE CEREMONY CONCLUDED WHEN
FOR ONE LAST TIME HIS SHIPMATES PIPE
HIM OVER THE SIDE. THIS IS A DISTINCT
NAVAL COURTESY, A SEAMAN’S TRIBUTE,
A FINAL FAREWELL WHISTLED THREE
TIMES ON THE BOATSWAIN’S PIPE. THIS
PIPE IS ONE OF THE OLDEST AND MOST
DISTINCTIVE ARTICLES OF PERSONAL
NAUTICAL EQUIPMENT USED TO SALUTE
DISTINGUISHED PERSONS AS WELL AS TO
PASS ORDERS. IN RECENT YEARS, IT HAS
BECOME CUSTOMARY FOR THE SAILOR
TO INVITE THEIR FAMILY TO ACCOMPANY
THEM AS THEY ARE PIPED ASHORE. THIS
IS TO RECOGNIZE THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS
AND SACRIFICES IN SUPPORT OF THEIR
SUCCESSFUL NAVY CAREER”
M/C
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I WOULD LIKE
TO INTRODUCE THE FIRST OF TWO GUEST
SPEAKERS, MASTER CHIEF NAVY
COUNSELOR JERMAINE RAWLS”
(NCCM RAWLS PROCEEDS TO PODIUM
AND MAKES REMARKS.)
M/C
“THANK YOU MASTER CHIEF” THE
SECOND SPEAKER IS CHIEF LADLER’S
FIRST CHIEF IN THE NAVY PAT
PATTERSON”
M/C
“THANK YOU MR. PATTERSON”
M/C
“LIEUTENANT HUNT WILL PRESENT CHIEF
LADLER WITH HIS END OF TOUR AWARD
AND VARIOUS AWARDS. WILL THE
MILITARY GUESTS PLEASE RISE”
(LIEUTENANT HUNT JOINS NCC ON STAGE
TO PRESENT VARIOUS AWARDS – NCC
WEBB WILL HAND EACH AWARD TO
LIEUTENANT HUNT FOR PRESENTATION
AND RETRIEVE EACH AFTER.)
(NCC WEBB HANDS LIEUTENANT HUNT
THE NAVY COMMENDATION)
M/C
“ATTENTION TO AWARD……
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY HAS
AWARDED THE
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS
COMMENDATION MEDAL
(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF THIRD AWARD) TO
CHIEF NAVY COUNSELOR SURFACE
WARFARE/ AVIATION WARFARE AURTNEY
B. LADLER UNITED STATES NAVY FOR
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS COMMAND
CAREER COUNSELOR AND LEADING
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF MILITARY
SUPPORT BRANCH, ASSIGNED TO
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD FROM
NOVEMBER 2009 TO FEBRUARY 2012.
CHIEF LADLER CONSISTENTLY
PERFORMED HIS DEMANDING DUTIES IN
AN EXEMPLARY AND HIGHLY
PROFESSIONAL MANNER.
DEMONSTRATING OUTSTNADING
LEADERSHIP SKILL, HE LED 94
DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION CAREER
COUNSLEORS, PROVIDING HIG QUALITY
COUNSELING SERVICES FOR 1500
SAILORS. ADDITIONALLY, HIS EXTENSIVE
KNOWLDEGE WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE
COMPLETION OF 200 FLEET RESERVE
REQUESTS, 700 PERSONNEL ACTION
REQUESTS AND 350 REENLISTMENTS
TOTALING 1.2 MILLION DOLLARS IN
SELECTIVE REENLISTMENT BONUSES. HIS
SUPERB ACHIEVEMENTS CULMINATED A
CAREER OF 24 YEARS OF LOYAL AND
FAITHFUL SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY. BY
HIS EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY, PERSONAL
INITIATIVE AND TOTAL DEDICATION TO
DUTY, CHIEF LADLER REFLECTED CREDIT
UPON HIMSELF AND UPHELD THE
HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED
STATES NAVAL SERVICE. SHIPAYRDFOR
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY SIGNED
MARK BRIDENSTINE, CAPTAIN U.S. NAVY
COMMANDER NORFOLK NAVAL
SHIPYARD”
(NCC WEBB RETRIEVES THE NAVY
COMMENDATION AND HANDS
PRESIDENTIAL CERTIFICATE TO
LIEUTENANT HUNT
M/C
“PLEASE BE SEATED…
M/C
“CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATI0N. FOR
SERVICE IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO CHIEF
NAVY COUNSELOR AURTNEY B. LADLER, I
EXTEND TO YOU MY PERSONAL THANKS
AND THE SINCERE APPRECIATION OF A
GRATEFUL NATION FOR YOUR
CONTRIBUTION OF HONORABLE SERVICE
TO OUR COUNTRY. YOU HAVE HELPED
MAINTAIN THE SECURITY OF THE NATION
DURING A CRITICAL TIME IN ITS HISTORY
WITH A DEVOTION TO DUTY AND A SPIRIT
OF SACRIFICE IN KEEPING WITH THE
PROUD TRADITIONS OF MILITARY
SERVICE. YOUR COMMITMENT AND
DEDICATION HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION
FOR THOSE WHO WILL FOLLOW IN YOUR
FOOTSTEPS, AND FOR ALL AMERICANS
WHO JOIN ME TODAY IN SALUTING YOU
FOR A JOB EXTREMELY WELL DONE. MY
BEST WISHES TO YOU FOR HAPPINESS
AND SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE. BARRACK
OBAMA COMMANDER IN CHIEF”
(NCC WEBB RETRIEVES THE
PRESIDENTIAL CERTIFICATE)
M/C
“CHIEF LADLER ALSO RECEIVED LETTERS
OF APPRECIATION FROM FORMER
PRESIDENTS GEORGE H.W.BUSH, BILL
CLINTON, AND GEORGE W. BUSH,
GOVERNORS OF THE STATES OF
FLORIDA, GEORGIA, MARYLAND SOUTH
CAROLINA, AND VIRGINIA
M/C
USHERS, PLEASE ESCORT CHIEF
LADLER’S MOTHER AND FATHER TO THE
FRONT TO JOIN LIEUTENANT HUNT FOR A
PRESENTATION.”
(FAMILY MAKES THEIR WAY UP FRONT TO
LIEUTENANT HUNT. NCC WEBB HANDS
APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES TO
LIEUTENANT HUNT, LIEUTENANT HUNT
WILL READ CERTIFICATES HIMSELF)
M/C
WOULD ASHLEY, PARIS, KAURTNEY,
HUNTER AND QUINN LADLER COME TO
THE FRONT TO JOIN LIEUTENANT HUNT
FOR A PRESENTATION.”
(LIEUTENANT HUNT IS SEATED.)
M/C
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN CHIEF STACY
ROUSE WILL READ THE HISTORY OF THE
SHADOW BOX”
(LNC ROUSE COMES TO FRONT TO READ
THE HISTORY OF THE SHADOW BOX)
LNC ROUSE
“ACCORDING TO SOME ACCOUNTS OF
NAVAL HISTORY AND TRADITION, WHEN A
SAILOR RETIRES AND IS DEPARTING THE
SHIP FOR THE LAST IME, IT’S CONSIDERED
BAD LUCK FOR THE SAILOR’S SHADOW
TO TOUCH LAND BEFORE HE DOES. THUS,
THE SAILOR’S SHIPMATES WOULD
CONSTRUCT A STURDY BOX, HAND
CRAFTED OF THE FINEST MATERIALS, IN
WHICH TO DISPLAY MEMENTOS OF THE
SAILOR’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS THEREBY
SYMBOLICALLY CREATIING A SHADOW OF
THE SAILOR. THE BOX SAFELY CONTAINS
THE SAILOR’S SHADOW UNTIL HE IS
SAFELY ASHORE, AT WHICH TIME THE
SHADOW BOX CAN BE GIVEN TO THE
SAILOR IN A PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
HISTORICALLY, WHEN A SAILOR WOULD
JOIN A SHIP’S CREW, HE WOULD JOIN
THAT SHIP FOR HIS ENTIRE CAREER.
DURING THE SAILOR’S VOYAGES TO
PORTS OF CALL AROUND THE WORLD, HE
WOLD COLLECT MANY TRINKETS,
SOUVENIERS, AND REMINDERS OF HIS
TRAVELS. NATURALLY, AS SPACE
ABOARD SHIP WAS AT A PREMIUM, THESE
ITEMS TENDED TO BE SMALL. IDEALLY, A
SHADOW BOX SERVES NOT ONLY AS A
REMINDER OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND
ACCOMPLISHMENTS, BUT ALSO AS A
SUMMATION, AND A CULMINATION OF A
CAREER. A SHADOW BOX SHOULD
ENABLE A STRANGER GLANCING AT IT’S
CONTENTS TO GAIN A SUBSTANTIAL
UNDERSTANDING OF THE OWNER’S PAST
SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENTS. THE
NATIONAL FLAG IS PLACED INSIDE THE
SHADOW BOX TO SYMBOLIZE THE
COUNTRY THAT HAS BENENFITTED FROM
THE FAITHFUL SERVICE OF THE
RECIPIENT OF THE SHADOW BOX.”
“MASTER CHIEF MIKE EBELING AND
CHIEF CHRIS SOERGEL WILL NOW
PRESENT THE SHADOW BOX.”
“ON BEHALF OF YOUR FELLOW CHIEF
PETTY OFFICERS AT THE NORFOLK
NAVAL SHIPYARD, WE PRESENT YOU WITH
THIS SHADOW BOX. THE FLAG INSIDE WAS
FLOWN AT GROUND ZERO IN NEW YORK
CITY”
(EMCM EBELING AND HMC SOERGEL
COME TO THE FRONT TO PRESENT THE
SHADOW BOX)
M/C
CHIEF LAMONDT SANDERS WILL READ
THE CHIEF’S FOULED ANCHOR
NCC SANDERS
The Chief's Fouled Anchor
The Fouled Anchor is the emblem of the
Rate of Chief Petty Officer of the United
States Navy. Attached to the Anchor is a
length of chain and the letters U.S.N. To the
novice, the anchor, chain and letters only
identify a Chief Petty Officer of the United
States Navy, but, to a Chief, these have a
more noble and glorious meaning. The "U"
stands for Unity, which reminds us of
cooperation, maintaining harmony and
continuity of purpose and action.
The "S"stands for Service, which reminds us
of service to our God, our fellow man and our
Navy.
The "N" stands for Navigation, which reminds
us to keep ourselves on a true course so that
we may walk upright before God and man in
our transactions with all mankind, but
especially
with our fellow Chiefs. The Chain is symbolic
of flexibility and reminds us of the chain of
life that we forge day by day, link by link and
may it be forged with Honor, Morality and
Virtue The Anchor is emblematic of the hope
and glory of the fulfillment of all God's
promises to our souls. The golden or precious
Anchor by which we must be kept steadfast in
faith and encouraged to abide in our proper
station amidst the storm of temptation,
affliction and persecution
M/C
“MASTER CHIEF JOE KING WILL READ THE
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER’S RETIREMENT
CREED”
“CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS, ACTIVE AND
RETIRED ATTENTION TO THE CPO
RETIREMENT CREED.”
(PAUSE FOR CPO MESS TO COVER)
NCCM KING
YOU HAVE ON THIS DAY, EXPERIENCED
THAT WHICH COMES TO ALL OF US WHO
SERVE 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 TO
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 AN END OF AN ERA BUT
RATHER AS ORDERS TO A NEW AND
CHALLENGING ASSIGNMENT, TO A FORM OF
INDEPENDENT DUTY. REMEMBER WELL
THAT YOU HAVE BEEN, AND WILL ALWAYS
BE, AN ACCEPTED MEMBER OF THE MOST
EXCLUSIVE OF ALL FRATERNITIES - THAT OF
THE UNITED STATES NAVY CHIEF PETTY
OFFICER. THE ACTIVE DUTY CHIEFS SALUTE
YOU, YOUR RETIRED CHIEFS WELCOME YOU.
I WISH YOU THE TRADITIONAL - FAIR WINDS
AND FOLLOWING SEAS.”
“CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS, YOU MAY BE
SEATED.”
M/C
“CHIEF LADLER, THE PODIUM IS YOURS.”
(NCC LADLER’S REMARKS)
M/C
FLAG BEARERS POST
M/C
“MASTER CHIEF MARY BURROUGHS GRAY
WILL READ THE 13 FOLDS”
"Flag Folding Ceremony"
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The
second fold is a symbol of our belief in the
eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and
remembrance of the veteran departing our
ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense
of our country to attain a peace throughout the
world. The fourth fold represents our weaker
nature, for as American citizens trusting in
God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as
well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in
the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in
dealing with other countries, may she always
be right; but it is still our country, right or
wrong." The sixth fold is for where our hearts
lie. It is with our heart that we pledge
allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the republic for which it
stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all. The seventh fold is a
tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through
the Armed Forces that we protect our country
and our flag against all her enemies, whether
they be found within or without the boundaries
of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to
the one who entered in to the valley of the
shadow of death, that we might see the light of
day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on
mother's day. The ninth fold is a tribute to
womanhood; for it has been through their faith,
love, loyalty and devotion that the character of
the men and women who have made this
country great have been molded. The tenth
fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given
his sons and daughters for the defense of our
country since they were first born. The
eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen,
represents the lower portion of the seal of King
David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their
eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian
citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and
glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son,
and Holy Ghost. When the flag is completely
folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us
of our national motto, "In God we Trust."
“FLAG DETAIL POST”
M/C
“SENIOR CHIEF STANDLEY WILL READ “OLD
GLORY””
MNCS STANDLEY
“I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STAES OF
AMERICA; MY NAME IS OLD GLORY. I FLY
ATOP THE WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDINGS, I
STAND WATCH IN AMERICA’S HALL OF
JUSTICE, I FLY MAJESTICALLY OVER GREAT
INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING, I STAND
GUARD WITH THE GREATES 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 A LITTLE HIGHER,
MY COLORS A LITTLE TRUER, I BOW TO
NO ONE!
I AM RECOGNIZED ALL OVER THE WORLD.
I AM WORSHIPPED, I AM LOVED AND I AM
FEARED!
I HAVE FOUGHT IN EVERY BATTLE OF
EVERY WAR FOR MORE THAN 200 YEARS:
GETTYSBURG, SHILOH APPOMATTOX SAN
JUAN HILL, THE TRENCHES OF FRANCE,
THE ARGONNE FOREST, ANZIO, ROME,
THE BEACHES OF NORMANDY, GUAM,
OKINAWA, JAPAN, KOREA, VIETNAM, IN
THE PERSIAN GULF AND SCORE OF
PLACES LONG FORGOTTEN, BY ALL BUT
THOSE WHO WHERE THERE WITH ME… I
WAS THERE!
I LED MY SOLDIERS, SAILORS AIRMEN
AND MARINES. I FOLLOWED THEM AND
WATCHED OVER THEM. THEY LOVED ME
I WAS ON A SMALL HILL IN IWO JIMA, I
WAS DIRTY, BATTLE-WORN AND TIRED.
BUT MY SOLDIERS CHEERED ME! AND I
WAS PROUD!
I WAS AT GROUND ZERO IN NEW YORK
CITY ON SEPTEMBER 11TH AS COWARDLY
FANATICS ATTACKED AMERICA.
I WAS RAISED FROM THE ASHES OF ONCE
PROUD BUILDINGS BY BRAVE
FIREFIGHTERS. HEROES, WHO RISKED
THEIR LIVES TO SAVE OTHERS, SHOWING
ALL THAT AMERICA, ALTHOUGH
BLOODIED, WILL NEVER BE BEATEN.
THOSE WHO WOULD DESTROY ME
CANNOT WIN FOR I AM THE SYMBOL OF
FREEDOM, OF ONE NATION UNDER GOD
INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE
FOR ALL.
I HAVE BEEN SOILED, BURNED TORN AND
TRAMPLED ON THE STREETS OF
COUNTRIES THAT I HAVE HELPED SET
FREE. IT DOES NOT HURT FOR I AM
INVINCIBLE
I HAVE BEEN SOILED , BURNED, TORN AND
TRAMPLED ON THE STREET OF MY OWN
COUNTRY AND WHEN ITS IS BY THOSE
WHOM I HAVE SERVED IN BATTLE WITH IT
HURTS.
BUT I SHALL OVERCOME FOR I AM
STRONG! I HAVE SLIPPED THE BONDS OF
EARTH AND FROM MY VANTAGE POINT ON
THE MOON, I STAND WATCH OVER THE
UNCHARTED NEW FRONTIERS OF SPACE.
HAVE BEEN A SILENT WITNESS TO ALL OF
AMERICA’S FINEST HOURS. BUT MY
FINEST HOUR COMES WHEN I AM TORN IN
STRIPS TO USED AS BANDAGES FOR MY
WOUNDED COMRADES ON THE FIELD OF
BATTLE.. WHEN I FLY AT HALF MAST TO
HONOR MY SOLDIERS, MY SAILORS, MY
AIRMEN, MY MARINES, AND…. WHEN I LIE
IN THE TREMBLING ARMS OF A GRIEVING
MOTHER AT THE GREAVESIDE OF HER
FALLEN SON OR DAUGHTER I AM PROUD.
MY NAME IS OLD GLORY LONG MAY I
WAVE DEAR GOD, LONG MAY I WAVE
M/C
LIEUTENANT HUNT WILL NOW PRESENT
THE FLEET RESERVE CERTIFICATE
M/C
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT CHIEF NAVY
COUNSELOR SURFACE WARFARE/
AVIATION WARFARE SPECIALIST
AURTNEY B. LADLER WAS TRANSFERRED
FROM ACTIVE DUTY TO THE FLEET
RESERVE OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
AFTER COMPLETING OVER 23 YEARS OF
SERVICE. –SIGNED CAPT R. S. FINLEY,
DEPUTY COMMANDER, NORFOLK NAVAL
SHIPYARD.”
M/C
FOR TWENTY-THREE YEARS
THIS SAILOR STOOD THE WATCH
WHILE SOME OF US WERE IN OUR BUNKS
AT NIGHT THIS SAILOR STOOD THE
WATCH WHILE SOME OF US WERE IN
SCHOOL LEARNING OUR TRADE THIS
SHIPMATE STOOD THE WATCH
YES, EVEN BEFORE SOME OF US WERE
BORN INTO THIS WORLD THIS SHIPMATE
STOOD THE WATCH IN THOSE YEARS
WHEN THE STORM CLOUDS OF WAR WERE
SEEN BREWING ON THE HORIZON OF
HISTORY THIS SHIPMATE STOOD THE
WATCH MANY TIMES HE WOULD CAST HIS
EYES ASHORE AND SEE FAMILY AND
FRIENDS STANDING THERE NEEDING HIS
GUIDANCE AND HELP, NEEDING THAT
HAND TO HOLD DURING THOSE HARD
TIMES AND STILL HE STOOD THE WATCH
HE STOOD THE WATCH FOR OVER
TWENTY-TWO YEARS HE STOOD THE
WATCH SO THAT WE, OUR FAMILIES AND
OUR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN COULD
SLEEP SOUNDLY IN SAFETY, EACH AND
EVERY NIGHT, KNOWING THAT A SAILOR
STOOD THE WATCH TODAY, WE ARE HERE
TO SAY “SHIPMATE… THE WATCH STANDS
RELIEVED RELIEVED BY THOSE YOU HAVE
TRAINED, GUIDED, AND LED… SHIPMATE,
YOU STAND RELIEVED… WE HAVE THE
WATCH…”
M/C
“BOATSWAIN… STANDBY TO PIPE THE
SIDE…SHIPMATE GOING ASHORE..”
BMCS WILLIAMS
“AYE, AYE,”
M/C
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE RISE
FOR THE BENEDICTION.”
M/C
REVEREND HERSHELL DUNN WILL NOW
DELIVER THE BENEDICTION
(BENEDICTION.)
M/C
CHIEF LADLER WILL NOW REQUEST
PERMISSION TO GO ASHORE FOR THE
LAST TIME.
NCC LADLER
(SALUTING)
“REQUEST PERMISSION TO GO ASHORE
FOR THE LAST TIME.”
LIEUTENANT HUNT
(RETURNING SALUTE)
“PERMISSION GRANTED.”
(CHIEF LADLER ASSUMES DEPARTING
POSITION AT END OF BULLET ROW)
(TWO BELLS)
M/C
“CHIEF NAVY COUNSELOR (SURFACE
WARFARE/AVIATION WARFARE
SPECIALIST), AURTNEY B. LADLER UNITED
STATES NAVY RETIRED, DEPARTING.”
(RETIREE PIPED ASHORE AND PROCEEDS
THROUGH SIDE BOYS, HE COMES BACK
TO GET HIS KIDS ASSUMES DEPARTING
POSITION)
( TWO BELLS)
“NAVY FAMILY DEPARTING”
M/C
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THIS
CONCLUDES THE CEREMONY. YOU ARE
INVITED TO REMAIN FOR REFRESHMENTS.
THE LADLER FAMILY THANKS YOU ALL
FOR COMING.”