Thursday November 10, 2011 was the 236th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps and the change of command and retirement ceremony for Captain Stephen Schmeiser, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River. In attendance were Delegate John Bohanan, St. Mary’s County Commissioners, Patuxent River military and civilian employees, friends and family of both the outgoing Capt. Schmeiser and incoming Capt. Hugh Mills. Guest speakers were Rear Admiral Patrick Lorge, Commandant, Naval District Washington and Rear Admiral Barry Bruner, Director Undersea Warfare Division (N87).
Rear Admiral Bruner recapped a few of the Patuxent River achievements that happened under Capt. Schmeiser’s watch as Commanding Officer like the 2010 Energy Award, the 2011 Maryland Clean Marina award and the opening of the River’s Edge dinning facility name just a few. Rear Admiral Bruner also applauded Capt. Schmeiser for his enthusiasm in taking on any task he was given and for “shouldering the responsibility of Command.” Rear Admiral Bruner applauded the Schmeiser family for their support and sacrifice during his 27 year career.Rear Admiral Lorge presented Capt. Schmeiser with the Legion of Merit for his “outstanding, meritorious service and superior leadership as Command Officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River.”
In his closing remarks, Capt. Schmeiser praised his family for their sacrifice and support during his career and he spoke of living in St. Mary’s county for “18 of the last 21 years” and the pleasure he had working with the County Commissioner’s and other county organizations during his tour. He also commented that “The men and women standing in ranks and sitting among you are the best of the best; they make Patuxent River Naval Air Station the center of excellence for Naval Aviation.” Capt. Schmeiser closed his remarks by stating “he is proud to have been the 24th Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River” and that the base will continue to lead in supporting the fleet into the future.
