NAVAL WEAPONS STATION CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Sailors at Naval Weapons Station Charleston bid Navy Capt. Gary Edwards, commanding officer, fair winds and following seas as he departs and turns the helm over to Navy Capt. Robert Brennan at a ceremony held Aug. 18 at the Redbank Club in Goose Creek.
Captain Brennan arrives on station after a successful tour as Submarine Squadron Two deputy commander from June 2004 to June 2006.
"We are thrilled to be back in Charleston and look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence established here at NWS Charleston," he said.
During his remarks at the ceremony Captain Brennan acknowledged the role his loved ones have played in his success.
"I am proud, honored and humbled to be standing in front of you today. This could not have happened without the phenomenal support from family, friends, mentors and many shipmates." Captain Brennan is accompanied by his wife and three sons.
In his address to the audience, Rear Admiral Mark Boensel, Navy Region Southeast commander, remarked on the significance of a change-of-command ceremony.
"One of these officers is feeling the proud but bitter-sweet experience of finishing a successful command tour while the other is anxiously chomping at the bit to once again feel both the elation and tremendous sense of responsibility that comes with command," he said.
Before his departure, Captain Edwards praised the men and women serving on NWS Charleston for their professionalism, dedication and perseverance. Captain Edwards has commanded NWS since September 2004 and helped initiate the joint basing concept with Charleston AFB to become one inter-service organization.