Change of Command

I love the NAVY.  Sometimes I don't like the life, but I do love the NAVY.  I love all the traditions, the pride I feel whenever I see our flag, or my husband in his uniform - which lucky me is every day :) 

One of the traditions we got to participate in this week was a Change of Command.  In the P3 world, this happens every year.  It's a big deal.  Last year it happened on deployment, so the families at home didn't get to participate.  This was actually my first Change of Command.  I loved it.  I actually cried.  Just seeing the flags, all the military members in uniform, the band playing our National Anthem, and listening to the speeches really makes me appreciate all the sacrifices the military makes. 

A Change of Command is when the XO - the Executive Officer - takes over as the CO - the Commanding Officer of the squadron.  Then the old CO leaves and goes to a new command.  In our case, our CO will be going to the Air Force War College in Alabama. 

It all started Thursday night when the outgoing CO and his wife hosted a pre-change of command social.  It was at the gorgeous Jacksonville Yacht Club.  The CO and his wife were presented with some gifts and we enjoyed eating and talking with other squadron members and their significant others. 

Then, Friday morning was the Change of Command.  This was held in VP-26's hangar with their planes on display.  The CO, XO, and another distinguished guest spoke.  It was all very moving.

Then, Friday night we had the new CO host the Change of Command party.  It was so much fun.  All the food was just amazing.  They had some company come that had gambling tables - we were given $10,000 in fake money and got to "gamble" with it.  We had craps tables, roulette, blackjack and something else.  I couldn't stay away from the roulette table.  I had a blast playing with that fake money!  I've never gambled and now I know why - because I couldn't stop!  What a wonderful weekend!  Too bad the next change of command will happen on deployement! 

Oh, and the other reason I love all these events - I get a new dress for each one :)

The band:

 The color guard:

 The outgoing CO speaking:

 VP-26 hangar and one of their planes:

 Us :)  I sure love seeing my hunk in his dress whites!!