NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka Change of Command Ceremony

Good morning distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka change of command ceremony. We are here to honor Captain Michael Carl, Supply Corps, United States Navy, who will relinquish command to Captain Frank Kim, Supply Corps, United States Navy. I am JP TZ, FLC's executive officer, and it's my honor to serve as your master of ceremonies today.

The change of command ceremony is not officially prescribed by United States Navy regulations but is rather a time-honored tradition, rich in history. The ceremony honors the outgoing commander after a successful tour and introduces the new commander. The formal reading of official orders ensures that only duly authorized officers hold command and that all aboard are aware of its authenticity. Command passes upon the utterance by the relieving officer, "I relieve you, sir," and the officer being relieved responds, "I stand relieved."

We are honored to have Rear Admiral Select Brian Anderson, Director of Logistics Fleet Supply and Ordnance, US Pacific Fleet, to officiate today’s ceremony. Throughout the ceremony, I will advise you when it's appropriate to stand and when to be seated. Only the official party will cover during the reading of orders. All military members will remain uncovered during the ceremony.

Bosun, post the side boys.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for the arrival of the official party and remain standing for the rendering of honors, the presentation of the colors, the Japanese and United States national anthems, and the invocation.

[Music]

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, arriving. Director Logistics Fleet Supply and Ordnance, US Pacific Fleet, arriving. Color Guard, parade the colors.

Miss Leah Suzuki Haden will now sing the national anthem of Japan followed by the national anthem of the United States of America.

[Music]

Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise. Chaplain Hamilton will now offer the invocation.

Let us pray. Supplier of all, join us in this room. We ask that you touch the hearts of everyone present, both here and virtually. We are gathered for the sacred purpose of witnessing the mantle of leadership pass from Captain Michael Carl to Captain Frank Kim. We want to stop and take this moment to express gratitude to you for the leadership of Captain Carl over the past two years. His approachability has helped propel NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka forward. We know that he will be profoundly missed both within the American Navy and with our allies in the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces and the Royal Australian Navy. We ask, Divine one, for your presence as we welcome Captain Kim into this new and challenging role. In your most holy name we pray, Amen.

Bosun, retire the side boys.

Will the guests please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka Commanding Officer Captain Michael Carl.

Thank you, distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, for joining us for the change of command ceremony for NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka. I have the distinct honor of introducing our guest speaker, Rear Admiral Select Brian Anderson, who currently serves as the Director of Logistics Fleet Supply and Ordnance, US Pacific Fleet. Admiral Anderson has an impressive career that has taken him all over the globe.

Throughout his career, he has been stationed on numerous vessels and has experience that is invaluable to us. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Rear Admiral Brian Anderson.

[Applause]

Good morning and HOAs gozaimasu. We are gathered here this morning to recognize Captain Michael Carl for completing a highly successful command tour and to welcome Captain Frank Kim to the Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka as its new Commanding Officer. Both US INDOPACOM and the United States Pacific Fleet have and will continue to benefit from these officers who have leveraged their experiences to the benefit of both our navies.

I am thrilled to be here today, back in a country and among people who hold countless fond memories. My family treasures our time here, significantly enriched through our friendship with the Carls.

A special welcome and thank you to all distinguished guests, including Vice Admiral Retired Hironori Kama, Rear Admiral Suzuki, Admiral Johnson, and many representatives from both the US and Japanese navies. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to ensuring the success of these command transitions.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, "the best leader is one who is sensible enough to pick good men and women to do what he or she wants done and then the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it." This sentiment describes Captain Carl perfectly. His deep passion and dedication have led NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka to unprecedented levels of success.

Under his leadership, Mike Carl maintained and expanded bilateral and Allied Logistics initiatives with Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Navy. This teamwork has ensured greater sustainment and readiness for operations across a wide expanse of territory. His efforts saw success in numerous awards for both team members and the entire command, such as the Navy Fuel Terminal of the Year, and recognition across multiple years for logistics excellence.

Today, Mike hands over the command to Captain Frank Kim. I am confident that Captain Kim will continue to take this command to new levels of excellence. His experience and leadership will be instrumental in achieving NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka's mission goals.

Thank you, Mike, for your outstanding leadership, and congratulations on a commendable command tour. To Captain Kim, I wish you the best as you take the helm.

[Applause]

Captain Carl will now join Rear Admiral Select Anderson for official recognition of his accomplishments at NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka. Will the guests please rise. Military members, attention to award.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Michael Carl for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, from July 2022 to August 2024.

Captain Carl led a 1,200-person multinational workforce to provide critical logistic support across a vast operational environment. His efforts dramatically enhanced the efficacy and readiness of forces operating within this region. Thank you, Captain Carl, for your dedication to excellence.

[Applause]

Guests may be seated.

Command Master Chief Lashley and Chief Bannon will now present Captain Carl with a gift from the Chief Petty Officer's mess.

Thank you, Command Master Chief Lashley and Chief Bannon.

Ladies and Gentlemen, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka Commanding Officer Captain Michael Carl.

[Applause]

Thank you all for joining us today. I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as your Commanding Officer for these past two years. Special thanks to Rear Admiral Select Brian Anderson, and all distinguished attendees, including our invaluable JMSDF partners. This experience of bilateral partnership has been truly significant, and I express my deepest gratitude to everyone at NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka.

Our command has achieved remarkable feats, from handling 15,000 contracts worth nearly a billion dollars to issuing over 1.2 billion gallons of fuel. The true essence of these accomplishments is the teamwork and dedication shown by everyone here.

To my front office staff, Executive Directors, Executive Officers, Command Master Chiefs, and especially my Executive Assistant, Mia Churchill, your efforts have been nothing short of monumental. Thank you for being the backbone of this command.

To my family and friends, you've been my source of strength. Elizabeth, thank you for being my rock, and to my children, Attakus and Cecilia, I am incredibly proud of you.

As I prepare to pass the baton to Captain Frank Kim, I am confident that he will lead NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka to new heights. I wish him the very best and thank you all for your continued support.

[Applause]

I will now read my orders: from Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee—When directed by the reporting senior, detach from NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka and report for duty at the Chief of Naval Operations, Director Supply, Ordnance, and Logistics, Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. I am ready to be relieved.

Ladies and gentlemen, the new Commanding Officer NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, Captain Frank Kim.

When directed by reporting senior, detach from COMP Seventh Fleet and report to NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka.

[Applause]

Mrs. Grace Kim will now present the Command At Shore insignia.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Commanding Officer NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, Captain Frank Kim.

Good morning, everyone. I am honored to take command and follow in the footsteps of Captain Mike Carl. His achievements set a high bar, and I am inspired to continue his legacy. I extend my gratitude to all distinguished guests and mentors. To my family, you are my source of energy and love.

To the NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka team, I look forward to working with you and driving forward together. In the spirit of brevity, I conclude with a haiku about leadership:

“I care about you / Do your best at home, at work / There's one more thing.”

Thank you. The first order as your Commanding Officer: grant 59 minutes for our local and civil staff, all military. Finish smartly and safely. Thank you.

[Applause]

Will the guest please rise for Chaplain Hamilton’s benediction.

Let us pray. May the omnipresent stay with us as we leave this auditorium. We ask that you bless Captain Michael Carl and his family, both here and stateside. We ask that you fill Captain Frank Kim with wisdom, bless his family, and guide him to lead NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka toward new accomplishments. In your holy name, Amen.

Remain standing for the departure of the official party.

[Music]

Director Logistics Fleet Supply and Ordnance, US Pacific Fleet, departing.

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka, departing.

This concludes the ceremony. Guests are invited to congratulate Captain Carl and Captain Kim at the reception located at the CPO Club. Thank you for attending.

Keywords

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka
Change of command
Captain Michael Carl
Captain Frank Kim
Rear Admiral Select Brian Anderson
JMSDF (Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force)
Bilateral partnership
Legion of Merit

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of the change of command ceremony? A: The change of command ceremony honors the outgoing commander after a successful tour and introduces the new commander, ensuring that the official transition is recognized.

Q: Who officiated the ceremony? A: Rear Admiral Select Brian Anderson, Director of Logistics Fleet Supply and Ordnance, US Pacific Fleet, officiated the ceremony.

Q: What were some of Captain Michael Carl’s achievements during his tenure? A: Under Captain Carl’s command, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka supported over 1,900 port visits, issued over 1.2 billion gallons of fuel, and processed 250,000 requisitions. The command also received several accolades including Navy Fuel Terminal of the Year and recognition for logistics excellence.

Q: What tradition is upheld during the change of command ceremony? A: The heart of the ceremony is the formal reading of official orders and the exchange of command phrases "I relieve you, sir," and "I stand relieved."

Q: How did Captain Frank Kim conclude his speech? A: Captain Frank Kim concluded with a haiku poem and a practical first order, granting 59 minutes to the local and civil staff for a safe and wonderful weekend.