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In an emotion-charged ceremony, Rear Admiral Timothy L. Heely was relieved of command by fellow Rear Adm. William E. Shannon on March 25, after nearly eight years that the helm of the Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons at Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
Attendees at the traditional Naval changing of command witnessed the ceremonial splendor and circumstance that accompanies such milestones. The Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony is unique to the Navy and has its roots in the ancient customs and laws of seafaring men. Heely’s ceremony was not prescribed by today’s U.S. Navy regulations, but rather was a time-honored tradition without an equivalent counterpart in the other branches of the military.
The attendees were enthralled by a stirring tribute given by guest speaker, Congressman Steny Hoyer. The crowd applauded as the iconoclastic Adm. Heely read his orders and made his farewell remarks.
The audience was again energized as the new Command Authority, Rear Admiral William E. Shannon provided a few remarks and reading of orders, ending with the traditional phrase, “I relieve you, sir!”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Adm. and Mrs. Heely were “piped over side” signifying his official retirement and the end of an era for the U.S. Navy, NAS Patuxent River and St. Mary’s County.