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The Retirement Ceremony

The Naval retirement ceremony is the nation's expression of appreciation for a job well done and a sincere official recognition of a long period of faithful and honorable service. Often referred to as "swallowing the anchor," it is a day of great significance, marking the end of a richly rewarding way of life, living and working aboard ships, sailing the world's oceans in defense of freedom. Shipmates from the member's last duty station are formally assembled, highlights of the member's career are reviewed, awards and commendations cited, and a senior Officer properly bids the member farewell.

During the ceremony the member is presented with mementos recognizing and expressing the nation's appreciation for twenty or more years of service. The United States flag is presented to the retiree and is of special significance. Each Navy day begins with the ceremony of hoisting colors at 0800 and ends with lowering them at dusk. The member has lived figuratively under its folds’ day and night for his whole career. The salutes in its honor at home and abroad, its appearance at sea and in foreign ports, and the careful and ceremonious way in which it is handled all deepen its hold on heart and memory. It is a visible national symbol of the country they have served with honor and will always remind them of the precious freedom they defended so well.

The ceremony concludes when for one last time their shipmates pipe them "over the side." This is a distinct Naval courtesy, a seaman's tribute, and a final farewell whistled three times on the boatswain's pipe. This pipe is one of the oldest and most distinctive articles of personal nautical equipment used to salute distinguished persons as well as to pass orders.

Sequence of Events

Master of Ceremonies
HMCS (FMF/SW) Ralph P. Solon

Arrival of the Official Party
Sideboys

Parading of the Colors
(Guests please rise)

National Anthem & Hawaii Pono'i
Navy Pacific Fleet Band/Mercel Davis

Invocation
LCDR Brian Myers, CHC, USN

Guest Speaker Remarks
HMC Ivy Nicolas

Presiding Officer Remarks
CAPT J OBOZA, NC, USN

Award Presentation

Retirement Certificate

Presentation of Shadow Box
HMCS Jed Diaz/HMC Ryan Bangco

Old Glory Presentation
HMCM Steve Way

Reading of "The Watch"
HMCM Steve Way

HMC Elmer Aquino Remarks

CPO Retirement Creed (Ret.)
Senior Chief Andrew Nicolas

Spouse's Watch
HMCS Marsha Rivera

Benediction
LCDR Brian Myers

Request Permission to Go Ashore
Honors Boatswain's Mate/Sideboys


Presiding Officer Salee Oboza, Captain, Nurse Corps, USN

Born in Manila, Philippines, CAPT Oboza immigrated to the United States with her family in 1982 and grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in conjunction with fulfilling midshipmen requirements as a NROTCstudent in Northwestern University and graduated with honors in May 1997. Since her commissioning, she has served as staff nurse, division officer and department head inNaval Hospital Great Lakes and Naval Hospital Yokosuka on inpatient and outpatient clinical settings.

CAPT Oboza enjoyed three years of instructor duty in Naval Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes prior to her selection for Duty Under Instruction at Rush University Chicago. She graduated with honors in 2010 with a Masters of Science in Nursing and received her American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. CAPT Oboza’s utilization tour was in Naval Hospital Okinawa where she served as the Inpatient Mental Health Unit Department Head and the first inpatient hospitalist as a nurse practitioner for the inpatient psychiatric unit. She transferred to Naval Medical Center San Diego in 2012 and led as the Division Officer and Department Head for the 26-bed Inpatient Mental Health Unit.

CAPT Oboza deployed to the Warrior Transition Program in Sembach, Germany from January to October 2014 in support of Contingency Operations and delivered the Combat Operational Stress Control curriculum for redeployers. Prior to departing NMCSD in 2016 for 3d Marine Division, she relished the unique opportunity of being an embedded mental health asset to Submarine Group Eleven and went on a brief underway period embarked on the submarine USS Alexandria. She worked with Marines and Sailors in an operational billet as an Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) embedded mental health provider with 3d Marine Division and earned her Fleet Marine Force Warfare Officer qualification. CAPT Oboza served as the Executive Officer to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Great Lakes in the only DoD/VA integrated facility prior to assuming command for Naval Health Clinic/NMRTC Pearl Harbor.

CAPT Oboza’s personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various service awards

Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF/SW) Elmer R. Aquino, USN

Born in Pangasinan, Philippines, and raised amidst the vibrant naval backdrop of San Diego, California, Chief Elmer R. Aquino exemplifies dedication, both personal and professional. A proud graduate of Morse High School in San Diego, Chief Aquino embarked on a path of lifelong learning, achieving a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration from Touro University International and advancing with a Master’s in Healthcare Management in December 2011. His commitment to excellence extended with a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University in 2019. Further bolstering his professional skill set, he earned certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and an Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).

Chief Aquino enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 2004 and attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduating from basic training, he reported to “A” school to be a Hospital Corpsman also in Great Lakes, Illinois. After completing “A” school, HMC acquired 2 NEC’s available to his rate; he went to Field Medical Service School (8404) in 2005 and Medical Laboratory Technician (8506) in 2008. In 2008, he joined the ranks at 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, showcasing leadership as the Laboratory Leading Petty Officer. His deployment with Combat Logistics Battalion-11 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Western Pacific tour highlighted his role as an integral Assistant Leading Petty Officer and Platoon Sergeant.

By 2011, Chief Aquino transitioned to the role of Clinic Laboratory LPO, where his meticulous oversight ensured flawless results in College of American Pathologists inspections and The Joint Commission surveys, a testament to his dedication. After years of distinguished service, Chief Aquino found his call to leadership, embracing the role of Directorate LPO at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command in Camp Pendleton, California. On September 13, 2019, he donned his Anchors and became a Chief Petty Officer, Class 126 served as LCPO for the Directorate of Medical Services. In October of 2020, he transferred to 3d Marine Regiment and was appointed as the 2nd Battalion, 3d Marines LCPO and did a Unit Deployment Program (UDP) in Okinawa, Japan.

Currently stationed at the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Pearl Harbor, Chief Aquino served as the Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) for Directorate of Clinical Support Services, Directorate of Dental Services, and an LCPO for Directorate of Health Services. His professional journey includes the Executive Medical Department Enlisted Course and a fellowship with NeoGenomics, underscoring a career marked by innovation and community engagement.

Decorated with numerous accolades, including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, multiple Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and several Navy and Marine Corps commendations, Chief Aquino’s career is a testament to dedication, resilience, and service above self. Residing in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Chief Aquino shares a fulfilling life with his husband of nine years, Christopher. Together, they co-own KILPEN Technical Services and share their home with their beloved pup, Koa. Through two decades of service, Chief Aquino remains a pillar of strength and a symbol of excellence within the Navy, illustrating a life’s commitment to country and community.

Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF/SW) Ivy Nicholas, USN

HMC(FMF/SW) Ivy E. Nicolas was born on November 6, 1985 at Bulacan, Philippines, she then immigrated to the United States at the age of 15 on May 2001. She graduated with honors from Rangeview High School, Aurora, CO in 2004. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 2005 and attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduating from basic training, she reported to “A” school for Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion, she then attended Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician “C” schoolat Naval School of Health Sciences in San Diego, CA. After graduating with honors, she was stationed at Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA from 2007 to 2013. During her tour, she deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan with Role III, Multinational Medical Unit.

On October 2013, HMC Nicolas attended Field Medical Training Battalion at Camp Johnson, NC. After graduation, she was assigned to 1st Medical Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA. where she served as Legal Chief. During her tour, she deployed to Kuwait and Al Asad, Iraq with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 16.2. She served as the Leading Petty Officer for the Logistics Combat Element. Shortly upon returning, HMC Nicolas received orders to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Camp Pendleton, CA. as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for the Laboratory department and Assistant Command Managed Equal Opportunity Program Manager. In February 2021, she was stationed to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Pearl Harbor, HI. She served as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for the Directorate for Dental Services from February 2021 to March 2022. Afterwards, she was selected for Pacific Partnership 2022 and served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Directorate for Medical Operations and Planning and Medical Logistics Chief from April 2022 to September 2022. Additionally, she served as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for Patient Administration and Staff Education and Training until she transferred to 1st Marine Logistics Group in Camp Pendleton, CA in July 2024. Currently she is serving as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for Headquarters and Services Battalion.

She received her Bachelor of Science for Laboratory Management and Masters for Public Health from University of Washington. Her personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Third Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Second Award), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (Fourth Award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and other various awards. She was also a recipient of The Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Silver and Bronze).

She is happily married to Andrew Nicolas and has 4 kids, Preston, Jackson, Markel and Alexander.

Old Glory

I am the flag of the United States of America; my name is "Old Glory". I fly atop the world's tallest buildings, I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutions of learning, I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up and see me!

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, My head is a little higher, my colors a little truer, I bow to no one!

I am recognized all over the world, I am worshipped, I am saluted, I am respected. I am revered, I am loved, and I am feared!

I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Tarawa, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and a scores of places long forgotten by all, except by those who were there with me, I was there!

I led my Sailors and Marines, I followed them, I watched over them, they love me! I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, but my Sailors and Marines cheered me! And I was proud!

I was at ground zero in New York City on September 11th as cowardly fanatics attacked America. I was raised from the ashes of once proud buildings by brave firefighters. Heroes, who risk their lives to save others, showing all that America, although bloodied, will never be beaten.

Those who would destroy me can not win, for I am the symbol of freedom, of one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of my own country and when it is by those whom I have served with in battle, it hurts. But I shall overcome, for I am strong! I have slipped the surely bonds of Earth and from my vantage point on the moon; I stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space.

I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours, but my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips, to be used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle, when I fly half-mast to honor my soldiers, and when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother, at the grave-site of her fallen son or daughter, I am proud

MY NAME IS "OLD GLORY", LONG MAY I WAVE. DEAR GOD, LONG MAY I WAVE!

The Navy Spouse

A Navy Spouse is no ordinary person. Operating for months at a time without the companionship or assistance of his husband, he routinely overcomes challenges that would give the average person a nervous breakdown.

Part Doctor, part Teacher and part Handyman, he can lavish loving care on a sick toddler, help a teenager with his Algebra homework, and track down a faulty circuit breaker -- all while holding down a full time job.

With thirty minutes notice, he can serve breakfast, lunch, or dinner to fourteen hungry Sailors, and still somehow balance his family's meager grocery budget.

He can press a set of dress whites to inspection standards, tie a perfect square knot in a military neckerchief, and pack a seabag in the cold hours before dawn.

For months at a time, he must settle for letters instead of kisses, emails in place of hugs, and long-distance phone calls in lieu of his husband's touch. He manages a smile when his Sailor is at sea for the second Anniversary in a row, and accepts the fact that there's a one-in-three chance that he will have to stand Duty on his Birthday. He has learned to stand on a pier and wave goodbye without tears, even when his heart is breaking.

To his children, he is Chauffeur, Umpire, Psychologist, Spiritual Advisor, Financial Consultant, part-time Father, Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause, and the Easter Bunny. To his husband, he is Friend, Lover, Partner, Confidant, and Soul-Mate.

He is a patriot. He is the sort of citizen that all of us should be, but so few of us are. He lives with sacrifice, because He believes in the rights and ideals that his husband defends. Although He wears no uniform, he is a part of that defense -- a vital link in the chain of Freedom. Although he wears no medals and will reap no glory on the field of battle, he is a hero in the truest sense of the word.

HE IS A NAVY SPOUSE

The Watch

For twenty years
This Sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in our bunks at night
This Sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch

Yes… even before some of us were born into this world
This Shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for twenty years

He stood the watch so that we, our families and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, each and every night knowing that a Sailor stood the watch

Today we are here to say
“Shipmate... the watch stands relieved.
Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led.

Chief Aquino
You stand relieved. We have the watch...

Traditions

Color Guard

Since early history, flags and banners have been used by armies in battle. They served to assist in identifying units, to signal movements and be a common point of reference for soldiers on the field, which allowed them to keep formations organized. The flag was a symbol of the unit and to loose it was shameful and could cause the unit to break up. So, for this reason, leaders developed an elite group of men whose job it was to protect the flag.

Side Boys

In the days of sail, it was not uncommon for the Commanding Officers of ships sailing in convoy to convene aboard the flagship for conferences. It was also not uncommon for COs to invite each other to dine aboard their vessels. Unfortunately, there was no easy way to bring visitors on and off a ship while underway. And there was no dignified way for a high-ranking officer to scurry up or down a rope or ladder hanging down the side of a ship. Often the boatswain’s chair, a rope and wood sling, would be used to hoist the guest onto and off the ship. The Boatswain’s Mate would control the heaving by blowing the appropriate commands with a whistle known as a Boatswain’s Pipe. The number of “strong backs” needed to bring the visitor aboard depended upon the size of the “load” being hoisted. Somewhere along the line, it was noted the more senior the visitor’s rank, the more Sailors were needed to “man the side.” Over time, the need to hoist visitors on and off Navy ships went away, but the custom of mustering the Sideboys and piping distinguished visitors aboard ship remained.

History of Assignments

Rank Duty Station Years
Recruit Training Command & Hospital
Corpsman “A” School		 2004
Field Medical Service School (East)
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina 		2005
3rd Marine Logistics Group
Okinawa, Japan 		2005-2007
Medical Laboratory Technician School
San Diego, California 		2007-2008
1st Medical Battalion
Camp Pendleton, California 		2008-2011
Naval Medical Center
San Diego, California 		2011-2015
1st Marine Marine Air Wing
Okinawa, Japan 		2015-2016
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton, California 		2016-2020
3d Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division
Marine Corps Base Hawaii 		2020-2022
Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 		2022-2024