As backdrops go, it is hard to beat the view from Pier Kilo 8 at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. There is a breathtaking view of the Waianai Mountains, remnants of an ancient shield volcano that guard the Makaha coast. In the middle distance lies the vast gray length of the battleship Missouri, BB- 63, the symbol of might of the greatest Navy in history.

Left Coast Guy drove us over to the Kilo Pier yesterday to attend one of those solemn rituals that mark the tradition of the Naval Service- the piping ashore of a senior officer from active service to the Retired List.

We talked about each of ours as we drove through the Submarine Base. These rituals are emotional things, and coming as it did after the pilgrimage to the site of the wartime Station HYPO, all our nerve endings were tingling.

VIPs were in attendance. There is a former Director of Naval Intelligence in this row, as well as a current and former Deputy Directors, a Director of Naval Intelligence Operations and dignitaries from Allied nations. All are present to honor a great American and his service to the Navy and his Nation.

“Captain, United States Navy, Arriving!” The Bos’un pipes him aboard and the clang of the bell signifies his arrival.

Rear Admiral, United States Navy, Retired, Arriving!”

Benediction by Pastor Vallejo-Sanderson, whose timely arrival by Mini Cooper helped to provide an affirmative tone for the solemn ceremony.

Admiral Kelly is a thoughtful man. An A-6 Intruder Bombadier Navigator, he is also an insightful observer of the value of the art of intelligence, and the three stages by which an analyst arrives at true understanding.

How does one sum up more than 28 years of service? It takes a village, and it takes courage, and it takes integrity. CAPT Fanell has all those things in spades. As he spoke, the shadows lengthened across on Ford Island behind him. The peaceful waters of the harbor glitter in the lowering light.

There are mementos to be presented, and a sword that never leaves active duty. Traditions must continue. Honor and discipline go on.

The sailors who participated in the ceremony performed the ritual of the Passing of the Flag, a moving tribute to the symbol of or nation.

For Cornelia, the woman who left her career in Switzerland to follow a young officer around the world and into historic times.

At length, it is time to be piped ashore. The Watch is manned. The Ship is secure.

Ceremony done, it is time to open a new chapter in life. Kimo, you can say what you think now, when you want to say it for the first time in three full decades of Service.

The Ship’s bell, with the Arizona Monument across the harbor, forever anchoring the foot of Battleship Row. She marks the Alpha of the greatest struggle in American history, with the Omega of the mighty Missouri close behind.

At midnight, the Captain is a civilian. Time for the next phase of life. Captain James E. Fanell, United States Navy, Retired, has earned it.

Copyright 2015 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com
Twitter: @jayare303
All pictures Socotra