 Good morning, and welcome to the change of command and retirement ceremony for Admiral James Francois Jr., Director of Naval Reactors. Admiral Francois will be relieved by Admiral Bill Houston. Traditions of our modern Navy trace their origins from age of old customs and laws of the sea. Little has changed over the years for the ceremony you witness today because of the richness of their heritage. The change of office ceremony formally passes all duties, burdens and privileges of command from the outgoing officer to his relief. The heart of the ceremony is the formal reading of official orders by the officer to be relieved and the relieving officer. The authority and responsibility of command passes absolutely upon utterance by the relieving officer, I relieve you, sir. The officer being relieved responds, I stand relieved. A significant portion of the Admiral's responsibilities are prescribed by executive order and fall under the Department of Energy Authority. Please take this opportunity to verify that all your electronic devices are silenced for the ceremony. Military guests may remain uncovered for the ceremony. Posts, the side boys. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the arrival of the official party and remain standing for the presentation of colors, our national anthem and the invocation. Guests are invited to sing the national anthem. United States Navy arriving. Naval reactors arriving. Naval operations arriving. Energy question. Navy arriving. Energy arriving. Bozen. Retire the side boys. Advance the colors. Ladies and gentlemen, the national anthem led by the U.S. Navy band Brass Quartet. Ladies and gentlemen, Chaplain Bennett-Stanford will offer the invocation. Lord God, we call upon you today to bless this time-honored ceremony as we witness the transfer of command from Admiral Caldwell to Admiral Houston. Today, we want to lift up and honor the distinguished service of Admiral Caldwell since his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1981. He has been dedicated to the advancement of the submarine community, the Navy, and the larger military organization throughout his years. And now, after more than eight years in his current position as Director Naval Reactors, it is finally time for a well-deserved retirement. I pray for your blessings, grace, and peace to be upon him and his wife Kim as they move into this new stage of life together. And now I ask that you grant wisdom, courage, and strength to Admiral Houston as he comes to this position from Naval Submarine Forces. He clearly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this new position of leadership, but I ask that you will also grant him humility and grace as he leads those under his authority. Be especially with Colleen, Emily, and Lauren as they support him in this new and demanding leadership role. Much will be asked of him, and much will be taken from them. So I entrust the entire Houston family into your loving care over the coming years. Now, Lord, we thank you for your many blessings. Be with each person gathered here today to witness this change of command. And in your mercy, we pray. Guests, please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the Director of Naval Reactors, Admiral Frank Caldwell. Well, good morning everyone. How did everyone get in here? Hey, thank you all for being here. It is great to see everyone. Welcome especially to the Caldwell and Houston families and friends. This is a big day for all of us, and we're here to celebrate and have some fun. What do you think about this venue here in the Naval Reactors headquarters? Hey, I recently spoke at a flag promotion ceremony for a new Admiral, and I remarked that being in the flag ward room was like being on a fast moving train. You never know how many stops you're going to make or when those stops are going to occur or how long you'll be on that train. And as I discovered recently, if you can even get off of the train. That fast moving train is slowing down today for just a little bit. And Kim and I are going to jump off, and Bill and Colleen will jump on with many, many exciting destinations ahead. Bill was confirmed on the 20th of December, if I remember that correctly. Then he showed up here for turnover on the 21st. Since then we've celebrated the holidays. We've celebrated New Year's. We've turned over command. Bill turned over command of the submarine force in the Atlantic and the entire force. We took a little leave. I signed a couple hundred fit reps, and here we are today. Now after turnover, Bill, that train is going to pick right up, right? You know that, right? And the business of Naval Reactors continues. So Bill, in the next four weeks, Bill will head to Charleston. He'll head to Japan and Guam. He'll head to Saratoga Springs and Schenectady. And head out on sea trials with our newest fast attack submarine. There is no rest for the weary here. It is going to be fast moving, and it is going to be exciting. And it is going to be a great ride for you, Colleen and Bill. Congratulations to you and your family. This is a big day. And ladies and gentlemen, this is our newest four star admiral in the U.S. Navy. Just so happens that we have the second newest four star admiral in the Navy as well. Jim Kirby right here. He just made it last week. So in the last 20 days, the Naval Reactors Headquarters team has leaned into this ceremony. I want to thank everybody that's been involved, especially our emcee, Cam Chris Carter, and Mr. Ed Harrington, who's been involved. David Gilmer in the front office. I know he's been, you know, I would say he's pulling his hair out, but he has no hair. He has a good haircut like me and Bill. Lieutenant Commander Lindsey Brock and many, many others. I also want to say thanks to the fantastic Navy band. Round of applause for the band. The band knows how I feel about you, right? I am your biggest fan. I never miss a chance to attend, nor should you. We really appreciate you being here. Ladies and gentlemen, these are world-class musicians that do amazing work for us. And call us anytime, and Kim and I will be out there to lead the dancing. Hey, we have a number of special guests, so Bill and I want to welcome all these guests today. I'm going to introduce Secretary Granholm, Secretary del Toro, the CNO, and Amal Francketti in a little bit here. But there are several members of the President's national security team. Mr. Kurt Campbell was supposed to make it. He didn't make it, but he's here in thought. Mr. Dr. Jim Miller, the lead for all the AUKUS work for the President. Mr. Caleb Redden and Ms. Monica Ailer. Monica is actually one of us. Don't forget about that. Mr. Abe Denmark is here. He's the SEC DEF's lead for the AUKUS consultation period. From the National Nuclear Security Administration, my very good friend, the Administrator Jill Ruby. Jill has been fantastic. From Capitol Hill, Representative Joe Courtney. We call him two-sub-Joe. He wants to be three-sub-Joe, and I'm right along with you, sir, okay? And from across the Hill, several professional staff members, all these great folks. The fourth Director of Naval Reactors, Admiral Skip Bowman. Admiral Bowman, good to see you, sir. Welcome. Admiral Retired Meese, former Stratcom commander. Admiral Retired Bill Lesher, former VCNO. Admiral Retired Jamie Fogo, classmate, and his wife, Cindy. Admiral Daryl Caudill and Donna, my very good friends. Admiral Jim Kilby and Ivy have already said welcome them, but welcome again. My USNA 8th Company classmates and my classmates from class of 1981. They're all over. Good to see you. Now, we have many distinguished flag officers and executives and industry leaders. Our UK and Australian colleagues are here. I saw the second sea lord. Where are you, sir? Okay, he's a Chelsea fan. Don't hold it against him. Tottenham is doing much better. Martin, it's so good to see you, and thanks for your friendship. Welcome to all of you, and thank you for being here. This is about having fun today, and I really want to have some fun. Hey, our first guest speaker is the Secretary of Energy, Miss Jennifer Granholm. I have had the privilege of working for four different Secretaries of Energy, and they have all been fantastic. I think that many Americans don't really appreciate the incredible role that the Department of Energy plays in our national defense. The Department of Energy National Laboratories are the brain trust of technology and innovation. They are indeed a national treasure. From certifying the nuclear stockpile, which in itself is an amazing story, incredible technology and incredible expertise, to computing and cyber energy, the work that goes on at our national laboratories is really cutting edge. At Naval Reactors, we are super proud to be part of the Department of Energy and NSA. In fact, we have four Department of Energy sites that support the Naval Reactors program. The Bettis site in Pittsburgh, the Knowles Atomic Power Laboratory in Schenectady, the Kesslering site in Balsen Spa in New York, and the Naval Reactors facility in Idaho. These are world-class facilities, and I mean that in the truest sense. We hire some amazing people to work there. We call them collectively the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, and they are absolutely vital to everything that we do here at Naval Reactors. Now at Naval Reactors, we have enjoyed an incredible relationship with the Department of Energy, and that relationship starts right at the top with the tone set by the secretary. I have had the pleasure to work with her on a number of issues and a range of issues. She has consistently voiced her unwavering support for our program. Secretary Granholm is also a very distinguished career as a public servant, and in leadership roles she has been the Michigan's Attorney General. She has served two terms as the Governor of Michigan. And ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our 16th Secretary of Energy, the Honorable Jennifer Granholm. Thank you, Admiral. So great to be here. When you said you had the pleasure of working with four energy secretaries, I knew you were going to say, but I'm the best, right? The most supportive of the Naval Reactors program. Well, I am certainly honored to be here to help celebrate your phenomenal career, capped off, of course, by these eight highly successful years as Director of the Office of Naval Reactors. I also want to thank Secretary del Toro and Admiral Francketti as well for the great partnership that the Department of Energy has in this program. And some of you know that Naval Reactors, as Admiral said, is, you know, a partnership between obviously the U.S. Navy and the Department of Energy. And it goes back, you know, Admiral Rickover, who was the one who first proposed this sort of marriage between the Navy and the Department of Energy. Back when the Department of Energy was the Atomic Energy Commission. And the idea was that there would be this joint management of Naval Reactors. And at the time, it was a really unorthodox idea. And if you've ever worked in government, which I know many of you have, the notion of two different offices working together seamlessly is, you know, it's a challenge. So, and of course Admiral Rickover was not exactly known for worrying too much about the organizational chart. In fact, I'm sure some of you know at one point the Defense Department asked him to submit an org chart for Naval Reactors and he responded by sending them back a page of Chinese characters. So, but that willingness to think outside the box has really caused the Naval Reactors program to thrive over the past 75 years. And I will say this program's enduring success is a testament to the thousands of professionals who have worked on it. And to make this vision that Admiral Rickover had, that the Naval Reactors program would be the third leg of the nuclear triad and that it would be making us as a nation secure and that the triad itself would be safe and effective. So, gratitude all around to how the Naval Reactors team cooperates day in and day out with our national lab, our NNSA, Jill Ruby here, our other teammates at DOE and of course with the Navy overall and our partners around the world evidenced by those who are here from the Australia program. So for the past eight years Admiral Caldwell has, you know, modeled this notion of team spirit and the vision that has made the reactor so successful. When you ask Admiral Caldwell's colleagues about him, they all mention the same few qualities. First, of course, his love of dad jokes. Second, his deep integrity and humility. And most of all, his incredible ability to connect with people. You know, it's a leader who's been known to show up at sporting events when a staff member's child is playing at award and promotion ceremonies. He makes sure to invite the honorees, family and friends to meet with them to remember the smallest of details. You all know officers in this program know that he has interviewed every single one of you which is astounding, over 5,500 interviews and is known to send letters to family members and those who have, and to thank them, to thank those family members for inspiring the service that the officer is providing. That is amazing. And then in this organization that can really focus on technical details, very important, Admiral Caldwell is also always thinking about the people. There's one submarine officer, for example, who remembers meeting with him shortly before taking command of a sub squadron and he assumed that the conversation when they met would be more about tactics and process, but he was surprised to hear that Admiral Caldwell told him, focus on the submarine crews. It's the people, he said, that I need you to lead and to mentor. And of course the officer never forgot that advice and his Admiral Caldwell's leadership actually mirrors what one of his favorite quotes from Admiral Rickover, which is people, not organizations, get things done. So you've gotten a lot done, you know, the Ford class aircraft carrier, the 10 Virginia class submarines begun construction on the Columbia ballistic missile submarine. Of course the AUKUS partnership so much has been accomplished. And I just want to say thank you on behalf of 330 million Americans for your leadership. Whether they know you or not, you have been amazing. And I could not depart the podium without saying thank you to Kim as well. Obviously they have known each other since they were two years old. Insane, they met, they got married three days after he graduated from the Naval Academy so you have literally been side by side on this joint journey for your entire lives. And what an amazing thing that is. And then I want to welcome Admiral Houston. Very exciting. Thrilled to see you. Thrilled to see you finally take the helm. I'm sure you are as well Colleen. It's going to be a great ride. You are one of our military's finest submarine officers and exemplar of the silent service. And although you should know as a Notre Dame grad, your whole family's Notre Dame, working with the former Michigan governor, you're going to get grief for me during the football season assuming that we play. We may not be, but all I can say is go blue. And you too. All right. Love it. So you are working with an incredible team as you can see. You are passing off this incredible team. And I just want to thank everybody here for their camaraderie, their cooperation as we work to strengthen our nuclear fleet, to strengthen our deterrence against conflict, to uphold nonproliferation around the world. Thank you all for keeping us safe. Now the beauty of being the emcee in the heart of this ceremony is I get to come in on top of those and clarify some things. It was an arranged marriage. And dad jokes, yes, I heard a really good one the other day. One guy, I asked the gentleman, what do you do in retirement? He says, I do absolutely nothing. And it usually takes me till five o'clock in the afternoon to finish that. Sounds right up my alley. Madam Secretary, thank you so much. It's such a privilege and honor to work with you. Really, thank you for being here. Our next speaker is a fellow Naval Academy graduate from the great class of 1983. He's an accomplished naval officer and the fourth secretary of energy that I have worked for. His service in the Navy included command of USS Buckley, DDG-84. He holds multiple master's degrees. He's an accomplished businessman and his counterpart, Betty, is here as well. Betty, good to see you today. Thank you so much for being here. Such an honor. You're a leader in our flag warden. We really love being associated with you. Thank you so much for everything that you've done to support your husband as well. He is one of the sharpest people I know. On my first trip with him, we went to electric boat and I had the privilege of riding with him on his plane. And on the way up, he asked about electric boat and how they were doing. I gave him six or seven things to talk about or think about. And he didn't take any notes. And as we walked around the shipyard, I heard all six or seven of those things come back and they were verbatim. And I remember thinking, mental note to self, I better pay attention to what I tell him. Also on that flight, I had a hectic day and I had not had lunch and the secretary had a subway sandwich or something. And he said, would you want half of this? And I said, sure. And I realized he's just a really good person. So I really appreciate your leadership. His strong leadership has been essential in making the president's vision for the trilateral Aukus Summit a reality. He's been involved in the thick of that. One of the biggest honors I think I've had in that whole scenario, sir, was the dinner you hosted in San Diego with the three chiefs of Navy, me and a few select other individuals. It was a phenomenal, phenomenal evening. Like those of us in the room, he believes in the power and value of a strong U.S. Navy. And he loves sailors and people. He is exactly the right person to lead our Navy in what I consider to be one of the most pivotal times in our history. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our 78th Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos del Toro. Sometimes I'm not quite sure where to begin. There are so many things that need to be said today, but I promise to be brief. But let me begin by thanking you, thanking my president, thanking you the American people for the privilege to serve as your Secretary of the Navy. Particularly over this past four weeks, it has been a tremendous honor to watch our fleet and our force in action. And just yesterday as I stood in the battle watch of the Pentagon, watching our surface Navy battle back 21 UAVs, three anti-ship cruise missiles sent in our direction, I could not be prouder of the Navy that you, Madam, CNO, have led in the time that you've been by CNO and CNO. And during your time on the joint staff teaching our Navy to be joint and not just blue. And I think it's all been seen here in fruition over these past four weeks. There's much for all of us to be proud of. And I just wanted to say that before I actually begin my formal comments. I'm also want to apologize for being a few minutes late. I want to thank my driver for getting me here for about ten minutes from the Pentagon. Although Admiral Rickover wouldn't be pleased by the fact that I was late, I was fighting for dollars in the Pentagon with a very senior member of Congress having breakfast with him. And I can tell every time I come to Navy reactors, it's a very strategic visit. And I can't help but notice that my wife is sitting next to Congress Chairman Courtney. I know that Betty was briefed on exactly what to say to him. To ask more for more dollars for our Navy and Marine Corps, particularly for the submarine force. I know, I know, it's very pleasing to see this. So good morning to all of you. It's an absolute honor to be with you today here at Naval Reactors at the Washington Navy Yard. I feel that today of all days it's appropriate for me to begin my remarks with a quote from the father of naval nuclear power Admiral Hyman Rickover. When doing a job, any job, one must feel that he owns it and act as though he will remain in that job forever. And Admiral Caldwell, I'm a bit disappointed with you this morning. Please, speaking of bad jokes, I had usually used the restroom before on long speeches. And what was on Admiral Caldwell's door going into the bathroom? A t-shirt that says dad on it. And here I thought I was your dad. Very inappropriate. Sorry, I know that was probably a complete break with protocol, but nevertheless. But ladies and gentlemen, for only the seventh time in our Navy's history, we are gathered to witness the transfer command of Naval Reactors and the responsibilities of the Department of Energy's NSA Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors. A billet that requires its incumbent to lead our naval nuclear power program for eight years without relief. Secretary Granholm, Administrator Ruby, thank you both for joining us this morning. We greatly value our strong relationship between the Navy and the Department of the Energy. We know how critically important it is for the safety of all our ships around the globe. We can't thank you enough for your leadership. I also want to again seriously thank Chairman Courtney for his leadership of our Navy and Marine Corps and your support on Capitol Hill. There is no stronger supporter of our Navy nuclear power program and there just aren't enough ways to say thanks. I also want to extend my thanks again to Admiral Francketti and Admiral Kilby. I've already mentioned how proud I am of your leadership of our Navy, along with Admiral Cottle as well too, who is here, our Fleet Forces Commander. And one just simply cannot say enough things for what you have invested in over the time of your naval careers to make our Navy today as strong and powerful as it is as demonstrated in the Red Sea. I also need to extend, as much as this is hard to do sometimes, a welcome to the great class of 1981. You did say that I was from the great class of 1983, so I will reciprocate by saying that. You know, when I first met Admiral Caldwell in my office, it was a daunting moment for me as a electrical engineer coming out of the Naval Academy and having retired as a commander and having the head of the nuclear power program there. One of the very first questions I asked him was, did he ever yell at me in Bancroft Hall? He attested to the fact that he hadn't, and yet I still remember being yelled at a lot when I was there, but no other officers seemed to admit that they yelled at me when I was at the Naval Academy. But I also want to welcome the friends and families of Admiral Caldwell and Admiral Houston. Welcome to thank you for your support of these two dedicated, devoted naval officers. Admiral Caldwell and Admiral Houston are part of a small, very storied club of leaders in our Navy, dating back to 75 years to the first director of naval reactors, Admiral Rickover. And we are grateful also for the presence of Admiral Bowman, one of my mentors growing up in the Navy as well too, and your leadership, and we thank you for being here today at the ceremony. But as we know, it takes more than just one person to realize success. In this case, with success being defined as, I quote, hot rocks making steam, unquote, safely and efficiently, most importantly. Since Commander Wilkinson announced the world in 1955, the USS Nautilus, SSN 571, was underway on nuclear power. The team here at Naval Reactors has ensured our nation's nuclear fleet has remained underway around the globe both on and under the ocean surface. As we look back over the past eight years, the work of the Navy nuclear reactors team in support of our Navy nuclear propulsion program has been absolutely incredible, especially in engagements with our international partners and allies. By maintaining their impeccable safety record, our nuclear fleet continues to enjoy access to ports in over 50 countries around the globe, allowing our aircraft carriers and submarines to make port calls and resupply during deployments. And all of you who have served in submarines, those of you who have served in the Navy know how critically important that is to our national security. Their efforts continue to enable a key naval relationship with Japan, allowing us to forward deploy a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier overseas, which is vital to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region for ourselves, our partners, and our allies. And I did visit the Ronald Reagan during my very first few months as Secretary of the Navy in Yucusca. Naval Reactors is also supporting our British allies in the design, build, and test of the propulsion plan for their next generation of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, the Dreadnought-class SSBN, modernizing their undersea nuclear deterrent at the same time as we pursue our own modernization effort with the Columbia-class SSBN. And along with the United Kingdom, we are now partnering with Australia as part of the AUKUS Security Agreement, a generational commitment by all three of our nations designed to promote our collective security. And yes, that evening was a very special evening, wasn't it? Under AUKUS, we are sharing our nuclear propulsion technology for only the second time in our nation's history and represents the largest international nuclear propulsion technology sharing agreement in the past 65 years. Naval Reactors has and will continue to play a pivotal role in developing our Australian allies' technical capabilities ensuring that they are able to safely and effectively operate their own nuclear-powered submarine fleet. And perhaps, Admiral Houston, I'll say to you what the National Security Advisor said to me when we were actually closing out the initial agreement after the first 18 months of negotiations in Point Loma, California. He said, Carlos, you've done a great job throughout the negotiations. Now don't screw it up the rest of the way. So I leave you with that word's wisdom as well, too. Or we will both be in the office of the National Security Advisor. Each of these efforts are monumental. And the team at Naval Reactors, the engineers, the scientists, the researchers, the technical advisors and support personnel, all of you in the rafters, all of you in the rafters and throughout the country, you are the key to realizing the outcomes that we desire. While the director of NR is the face of the organization, none of its successes would be possible without the thousands of Americans from all walks of life who dedicate themselves day in and day out to the cause of naval nuclear power. In recognition today of your many accomplishments over the last eight years, I am personally pleased to announce that we will be awarding this extraordinary group of professionals throughout the entire enterprise, the Navy Unit Commendation. And while it might be easy for me to take the credit for it because I have the authority to do it, I assure you that it was Admiral Caldwell who from a long time ago insisted and lobbied me to death. But of course it was an easy decision for me to make based on his recommendations and his acknowledgment of the hard work that you've done to receive this Navy Unit Commendation. So to the team here at Naval Reactors, thank you. Thank you for everything that you do in support of our sailors, their families and indeed our nation to ensure our security and prosperity. Now before I turn the podium over to Admiral Caldwell, I also want to take a few moments to recognize indeed the most important guest with us here this morning. No offense, Chairman Courtney. The families of Admiral Caldwell and Admiral Houston. To the Houston family first, Colleen, Lauren, Emily, allow me to be amongst the first to welcome you again back to the Naval Reactors team, not that you really truly left. For decades you have stood by your husband and father during deployments, period of separations, and long days in the office while on shore duty. Your patience, grace, and love for Admiral Houston are evident, and we cannot thank you enough for your steadfast support as he continues to serve our nation as the new director of Naval Reactors with more continued long, very exciting journeys and many meetings in my office too, Admiral Houston. To John and Norma, Paul, and Andy, thank you for your presence here today to witness a special moment for your brother and your brother-in-law's career. Mrs. Cynthia Houston, Mumsy. Where are you, Mumsy? I have no doubt you are proud of your son. As he reaches the pinnacle of his career, we recognize that we would not be here without your love and guidance of Admiral Houston during his formative years. Serving in our Navy is indeed a family affair, and you have all made the tremendous sacrifice in support of Admiral Houston over the past 33 years. To the several members and friends of the Caldwell family, thank you for joining us this morning as well. We are fortunate to have Admiral Caldwell siblings with us today in support of their brother. Mrs. Jean Furry, her husband John, and their sons Aidan and Donovan. Mr. Andy Caldwell, who I will also point out, Andy, there you are, who I will also point out as a fellow member of the greatest class of 1983, and decided to join the Marine Corps instead of the Navy like his father and brothers and his wife, Josie. Thank you, Andy, for being here. And Commander David Caldwell as well. To Admiral Caldwell's mother, Peggy Caldwell, you and your husband ensured that he knew exactly what he was getting into when he decided to attend the United States Naval Academy and join the submarine force. Thank you for raising such an incredible son and for giving him up to our nation and the Navy that you devoted your life to supporting your husband's 30-year career on submarines as well, too. Thank you for your service, both of yours. Finally, I would like to recognize Admiral Caldwell's wife, Kimberly, Kim. For those in the audience who may not know, and it's already been mentioned, that Admiral and Mrs. Caldwell have known each other since they were two years old. And I was wondering, was there a PDA at the very first gathering? There was public display of affection for those of you who may not know? From the very beginning, right? And the almost 43 years since you married shortly after Admiral Caldwell's graduation from the Naval Academy in 1981, you have been by his side. Your steadfast devotion and love for your husband as well as your dedication to our Navy, the submarine force, the Naval Reactor's team is evident in everything that you do. And even at my first time you met Betty, she came home and said, boy, Kim is really a special lady. To recognize your many years of service to our sailors and their families, I'm honored to present you with this Navy Distinguished Public Service Award as part of today's ceremonies. Please come on up. Ms. Caldwell, if you would please join the Secretary of the Navy at the podium. The Secretary of the Navy will now present the Distinguished Public Service Award to Ms. Kimberly Caldwell for services set forth in following citation. For Distinguished Public Service in support of the members of the United States Navy and their families from May 1981 to January 2024. In her role as a Navy spouse, Ms. Caldwell dedicated herself to improving the quality of life for our sailors and their families through extensive charity, work, mentorship, and leadership. Ms. Caldwell has widely traveled through the United States' home ports and abroad, extensively engaging service members and their families to understand the challenges of Naval service while advocating and effectively for improvements. She was a remarkably effective emissary for the United States Navy and the world's world-wide net home. Her contributions as a leader and a mentor to the wardrooms and spouse organizations across the Navy's submarine force have been extraordinary. The Navy and the nation will remain forever grateful for her 42 years of selfless and dedicated service. Ms. Kimberly Caldwell's outstanding achievements and total dedication reflect her credit upon herself and we're in keeping with the highest traditions of the Department of the Navy. Signed Carl Satoro, Secretary of the Navy. I have no call. Well, I know that you've always taken orders from Sink House but it's only going to get worse when you're on, so. Now, in closing, since I opened with an Admiral Rickover quote, I will close with still yet another quote. The great end of life is not knowledge but action. I believe it is the duty of each of us to act as if the fate of the world depended on him or her, unquote. And, McCaldwell, for over 40 years you have been a man of action. Our nation, our partners and our allies indeed the world are better, safer because of your service. The future of naval reactors is bright because of your leadership. And we wish you fair wins in following seas in your next chapter. Again, it's been an honor for me to be here with you today. May God continue to bless the Caldwell family, the Houston family, our sailors, Marines and their families stationed around the globe. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, please stand. As the Secretary of the Navy will now present the Naval Unicommodation Award to Naval Reactors. The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Unicommodation to Naval Reactors for extremely meritorious service during assigned missions from 14 August 2015 to 31 March 2023. The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program achieved 15 million miles steamed on nuclear power in 800 reactor years of safe operations trained and qualified over 3,800 officers and 14,600 enlisted nuclear operators with a safety and reliability record that facilitated access of U.S. nuclear-powered warships to 150 ports and call in five zero countries. By spearheading the Trilateral United States Australia United Kingdom Initiative, Naval Reactors expertly lay the groundwork for delivery of nuclear submarine capability to Australia. Naval Reactors oversaw construction testing delivery of USS Jordan Off-Word, Sieven 78, the largest and most capable U.S. warship of all time and of 10 Virginia-class submarines while also completing the propulsion plane design for the USS District of Columbia in 826, class submarines signed call to the Toro Secretary of the Navy. The Secretary of the Navy will now present Amal Caldwell with his Inator Award. So before we begin, this is something that Amal Caldwell insisted that I not do, but since I outrank the head of the nuclear power program, I insist that we did this because he deserves every single bit of it. Please read the citation. This is a certify that the President of the United States of America has awarded the Distinguished Service Medal Gold Star Louis III Award to Admiral James Frank Caldwell, Jr., United States Navy for exceptional meritorious and distinguished services and the performance of his duties of great responsibility from August 2015 to January 2024. Signed call to the Toro Secretary of the Navy. Yes, please be seated. Mr. Secretary, thank you so much for the award the Navy Unicombination Award is a special award and just to the Naval Reactor's team, that's not a Frank Caldwell award, that's your award. And so I'm going to go hand it to Chuck because I think he represents the team and make sure he has it. And thank you very much for awarding Kim. That is a great award and we're honored to receive it and thank you for overriding me and presenting me my award. But once again I correct the record. The shirt was not for me, it's for Bill. And I did say the great class of 1983 but it's the greater class of 1981. Anyway, Mr. Secretary it's been an honor. I hope to stay in contact with you. Thank you for your leadership. Hey, our final guest speaker is the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Francescetti. I have had the pleasure of knowing Lisa for many years. We first met on a selection board, I believe it was a commander's selection board about a decade ago. And I have to tell you I am immediately impressed with her. Her grasp of knowledge and the functioning of the board, incredibly professional I have never forgotten that. And I have been super impressed with her ever since. She has proven her leadership throughout her career which has included command of USS Ross, DDG-71 command of Deseron-21 and command of carrier strike groups 9 and 15. These are sea going commands. That's what matters in our Navy. At the heart of it, she is a fleet operator which she has proven again as a commander of US 6 fleet and striking and support forces NATO. It's a complex environment a lot going on over there and she mastered it. It has been fantastic to watch her in her fleet roles and as our VCNO Vice Chief of Naval Operations I greatly appreciate her support of naval reactors. She will lead our Navy in this time of high consequence in this incredibly dangerous world. And she will make sure that our fleet is ready. Lisa, I'm glad you're at the helm and I know I speak for the entire flag order when we say are 100% behind you. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our 33rd Chief of Naval Operations. Very much Frank. And again thank you for the honor of having the opportunity to be here and be part of this amazing ceremony today. And good morning everyone. Secretary Granholm, Secretary Del Toro, Administrator Ruby Chairman Courtney, a lot of professional staff members I see out there fellow flag officers, our Navy sailors, our Navy civilians ladies and gentlemen, again it's an incredible honor to be here with all of you today. And I know Admiral Caldwell recognized our amazing Navy band. I also want to recognize our amazing Navy color guard and ceremonial guard. So if we could all give another round of applause for these professionals. Earlier this morning I did have the great privilege of promoting an incredible leader who you've heard much about already today, but I do want to give him one more shout out. An amazing leader, someone that I know we're thrilled to have at the helm for the next eight years, Admiral Bill Houston, our Navy's newest four-star Admiral. Again, congratulations. Well today is yet another day and another key milestone in the story 75 year history of Naval reactors. And I get to look right there at the banner that we all signed when we celebrated that 75 years of powering maritime dominance right up there. It's great to have you Admiral Bowman here representing that great link in the chain of Naval nuclear power and it's amazing to be here and see you today to celebrate this great day with Admiral Caldwell and Admiral Houston. It's truly an amazing day for these two great leaders and for their families their friends and all of our Navy teammates, our Naval reactors teammates all around the world. Frank, thank you very much for your steady zero bubble leadership of Naval reactors. The Naval reactors director role may be designed for continuity but I highly doubt that you or Kim thought that it was going to extend beyond eight years. I am deeply grateful for your commitment, your willingness to stand up and stay on and support that Naval reactors mission and for the commitment of everyone in Naval reactors. I'm going to talk a little bit about the team's work today which I know is what Frank wanted me to focus on but I do want to just take one minute to recognize Frank and also his family. You know as Frank wraps up a successful tour as the director of the Naval nuclear power propulsion program he's also bookending a remarkable 43 year career of loyal service. So on behalf of all of those that you have served with over these many years thank you for your engaged leadership at every level of command. Thank you for your uncompromising standards and stewardship of Naval nuclear power and most importantly for me and many others in this room thank you for your friendship for your wise counsel and for being a great shipmate over the years. It's your service your contributions and your legacy will be carried on in those that you have led and those that you have trained but I know that you will be missed. We are indebted to you and to your family for your lifetime of service to our Navy and to our nation. I know that Frank would agree that none of us does this alone it is our families and our loved ones that also serve alongside us and sacrifice a lot of times and things we don't even see. They have helped to make such a long and distinguished career possible. I know other people already said thank you to the families but I feel like I am a big fan of our families because I think they're the glue that holds our Navy together and everything that we do is really possible thanks to them. So I also want to take my turn to recognize Frank's mom Peggy Caldwell. Peggy thank you for your support to our Navy and to the submarine community it has been immeasurable and incredibly important. For more than 60 years from the start of your husband's career through Frank's you've done so much for so many and we thank you. It is really wonderful to see so many people from Frank's family here, your brother Andy his wife Josie, brother David your sister Jeanine husband John and all of your sons Aidean and Donovan and so many other family friends, classmates and shipmates and of course last but definitely not least Kim. I'm so happy that we got to recognize you today and I'm sorry that it made tears come to your eyes but you have been there from the beginning through every adventure I'm sure you long ago you stopped counting how many moves you made and you've been there for every uncertainty and not just for Frank but for so many on our Navy team for sailors, for our Navy civilians and for all of our families we are grateful for your tireless service and your sacrifice it really is that strength that we all rely on and Frank would tell you that it's the strength of that family but it's also the strength of our big Navy family that brings us all success it's what fuels a winning mindset and that's precisely what we see when we look at what Frank and the naval reactors team has accomplished over these past eight years so I want to take a moment to recognize that and share some of what they've been providing to our Navy and our nation during Frank's tenure over the past eight years this team has enabled more than 15 million miles steamed on nuclear power and over 800 reactor years of safe operation I've been talking about putting and keeping more players on the field and naval reactors is helping to make that a reality every day the naval reactors team was instrumental in the construction, testing and delivery of our largest and most capable warship ever the USS Gerald R. Ford and as the Gerald R. Ford steams back to Norfolk after eight months of support in the crisis in Europe and in the Middle East we know that naval reactors played an outsized role in their nuclear powered success and naval reactors is moving right ahead with our latest nuclear powered aircraft carrier the USS John F. Kennedy in recent years the team has played a leading role in the construction of 10 Virginia class submarines and 11 more that are under construction I look forward to getting all those players on the field and they've also identified an innovative approach to repeal seven of our Los Angeles class submarines and if that weren't enough the team completed propulsion plant design for our nation's next strategic deterrent submarine the Columbia class you help keep us on track for the 40 plus year reactor core and the innovative electric drive main propulsion motor and you did this all while sustaining our current fleet of ballistic missile submarines besides all this great work the team has done for our Navy they've worked aside our allies and partners too and Frank whether it was your shepherding of pillars one and pillar two of AUKUS with the United Kingdom and Australia or one of your many trips to Japan we know that this team emphasizes the importance of relationships and of people over platforms naval reactors not only focuses on our ships and our subs they are truly focused on our people on Frank's watch the naval reactors team overhauled our pipeline nuclear training program and trained and qualified more than 3,800 officers 14,600 enlisted sailors and 260 civilians the team also worked hard to identify and then reduce redundant maintenance requirements turning over one and a half million hours back to the fleet this team has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to the highest of standards and they have placed accountability and stewardship at the forefront of the nuclear power propulsion program Frank is incredibly impressive I'm so happy we're able to get this knock done and present it to you and the whole team with you here at the helm it's incredible to see what you've achieved over the last eight years over your leadership there is so much to be proud of and Bill what an exciting time for you to be joining this Winnie team as many of you know Bill and I have had the chance to serve before we got to serve together in Italy but what you may not know is that I also served alongside his wife Colleen who herself is a successful career as a naval officer so it's great to be serving again with Bill and Colleen and to be joined today by their amazing daughters Lauren and Emily I always used to tell Bill I needed some more Colleen's and again this is a great team they were getting here at the helm of naval reactors I had a chance to meet with Bill's amazing family a little bit earlier the promotion but I did want to also take a minute to just recognize your contribution and your support and shaping of the Bill Clay over all of these years to Bill's mom Mumsie thank you very much you have so much to be proud of of this wonderful family again John Paul your brother in law Andy Doug Bill's nephew Nick and your your fiance Yvonne thank you very much for being here today and we're really fortunate also to have Colleen's mom Carol here today you've been right there for Bill I do like to say this family it takes a village and Bill's village was strong and it really made it all possible so thank you very much to the all of the Houston family the combined team that made it all happen how about a big round of applause for them and all you're about to do I know you have many flag officers here and a lot of other mentors here as well as many around the world that are watching and cheering you on this day I thank all of you for your hand again in molding that clay and making Bill Houston the leader that he is today I could not be more happy for you and for your family and for our Navy your experience and leadership at all levels of our Navy submarine community and beyond has led you to where you are today you are absolutely the right leader with the right experience at the right time to take the helm of Naval reactors and I look forward to seeing all that this team will accomplish under your leadership so as I wrap up today let me just say a big thank you to the Naval reactors team gathered today and those that you represent America's war fighting Navy remains the most powerful Navy in the world thanks to the work you do every single day we will continue to operate forward to preserve the peace respond in crisis and win decisively in war if called to do so that's because of the people in this room and that great work your commitment your energy and your dedication to our Navy and to our nation Frank we are going to miss you Bravo Zulu for a job incredibly well done I wish you and your family all the best as you close the chapter on this part of the journey open up the new one and chart the next course we can't wait to see what that looks like for you and I know that we are all going to stay in touch and to Bill I have the utmost confidence in your ability to lead this team and there's no doubt that naval reactors is in good hands thank you very much I look forward to working with you okay folks it's my turn and I know I've already talked a lot and Bill is thinking hey I thought this was a fast moving train I've got some stops to make so please indulge me for just a few more minutes I want to thank our speakers again it's an honor to have you here and thank you so much for your wonderful remarks about me my family about Bill Bill's family and the naval reactors team a few administrative remarks just real quickly here I hope you'll join Bill and me and our families across the street for a reception we have food beer wine plenty of cake please come say hello to us and chat a little bit and then there is over there I will have a coffee table book entitled the Navy I would love if you would pick a page and sign it please make it appropriate and I'd love to be able to have that in my collection yes sir I take that back hey I feel very fortunate when I think about the events in my life and the people have influenced me I was born into a great family a great submarine family my mom and dad raised us with a passion for the Navy the Naval Academy all Navy sports and all things Roger Staubach that's true America's team the foundation was very strong like all naval families we traveled a lot and for the Caldwells our cross country trips were epic imagine this three young boys my younger sister a large German shepherd mix a minor bird if you can believe it or not and two cats roaming around a Pontiac station wagon it was really fun it was equipped with full aftermarket air conditioning and my father had rigged these curtains on the side that were modeled after submarine bunk curtains did he make those? I think he did right he was a seamstress he was really good we were experts at sneaking the dog and the cats and the bird into motels that didn't allow pets I'm not sure I'm supposed to say that hey we laughed a lot we were taught respect and we were expected to serve my two brothers served Andy was 83 David was 84 Genie married a Marine and today she is active in church and teaches I'm so proud of every one of you now I married a Navy girl she was born in Japan in the CEC family and here's what I would tell you about Kim she is interested in everyone she is ready to talk to anyone for as long as you need she has time for everyone and anything she loves the Navy and she especially loves Navy reactors if it can be discovered fixed framed or finished Kim will know where and how to get it done including the military discount or better how to get there the shop hours what traffic lanes you need to be into avoid various legs on various legs to make the most efficient time and to avoid speed cameras and it is a constant source of interest to me and the fascinating things that Kim will find and I mean this is a compliment when I say living with Kim is like being in a national public radio show because it goes like this the conversation usually starts and immediately I think I'm not the least bit interested in this and then a half hour later I am completely captivated and I can't stop listening she is a great storyteller Kim thank you for everything you've always kept it interesting we're off to the next adventure I love you and congratulations on your medal really well in Kim's family the apple didn't fall far from the tree fell right under the tree all those things I talked about with Kim they're a reflection of my in-laws meat, Mrs. Apple Mr. Tree, Mrs. Tree my in-laws have been my biggest fans thank you for your love and your absolute support of me and Kim now rounding out my family I have an amazing sister and brothers in laws I have cousins all over the place I have lots of nieces and nephews if you're related to me be a blood or marriage or even same name cash raise your hand please so I can see who's here okay very good and there's a couple trickled in but great to have you here now being raised in a Navy family means not being raised by only your family but by your father's shipmates family right okay I've been corrected and taught and mentored by Rear Admiral retired Jerry and Anne Holland I have also received light counseling from Mary Joe Maloney I'll use her previously previous name I was an 06 by the way which proved that you're never too old to be mentored by a submarine spouse and Janet formerly Butterworth Janet did you make it are you in here did you make it good to see you back there Janet and her family played a role in our lives and they play a role today Kim and I have been privileged to get to know your children and we are growing closer to them and I will add to this list the ransoms the riots the larios the bellises and many many more all of you are part of my memories and all of shape the person that I am today and set the standard for what it means to be in a Navy family now my Navy career I've been supported and inspired by an incredible group of classmates from the Naval Academy 81 as well as 8th company several are here today and I'm honored that you took the time to be here I would also be remiss if I didn't recognize my classmates from the Naval postgraduate school these are some of the most most outstanding officers I've ever served with and I've been consistently inspired by the officers of the submarine force flags and senior executives they are so incredibly talented and visionary it is not uncommon for me to be in a meeting and say how the heck did I get in there with these really bright people they are really amazing but there are three officers that I want to call out that really shaped me as a leader as I was coming up and they're going to be surprised to mention their names the first is Captain Kevin Reardon he was my first XO on Boston he was my CO on my second boat Alabama Kevin you influence me in a way that is profound there is nothing that we did not examine or explore on that boat you push us to operate to learn and to be confident and that confidence is exactly what Naval reactors wants our folks to do to be confident in operating the ship I have toured countless ships I was the director and every time I do I think of the things you taught me and I try to pass those on to our chiefs and officers today you and Sue set the bar so high hey the second and so we are forever indebted Kevin where are you I know you're in here somewhere I saw you earlier okay all right Kevin thanks holy cow how'd you get up there we didn't get you a seat he's tough hey the second is Captain Ken Jordan formally now Ken is a really interesting guy and I do not think I'd be here today without Ken's influence he was a surface warfare officer he exploded my little periscope view of the world we worked on fleet issues, joint issues and science and technology issues and way more he was tough he taught me how to think, he taught me how to write and he taught me how to engage at the flag level and the final is Rear Admiral Doug McEnany I mentioned Doug because when you work with Doug what you see is energy in motion and passion and courage I worked for him twice it was fun it was fast, it was rewarding and I always knew he had my back and finally I'm also proud of all the sailors and chief petty officers who taught me and served with me they are the real American heroes and I've honestly lived in all of the sailors everyday throughout my career and I hope that in some small way my service reflects their service now I joined the Navy to command a submarine that's really where I thought my journey would end I never ever imagined that I would have additional stops on the train like at Devron 12 or a submarine group command or a sub-pack these are jobs that all sub-mariners want and somehow I was very fortunate enough to have the privilege to have these responsibilities but truthfully all of that pales to the incredible that I've had to be able to serve here as the director of naval reactors for the last eight years for that I owe thanks to all the previous directors their faith in me, their wise counsel and tremendous support Admiral DeMars, Admiral Bowman, Admiral Donald Admiral Richardson, they've been mentors all of them and I'll highlight Admiral Bowman you served during a time when you protected the Corps you kept us strong and kept us going we're building on that foundation today Admiral Donald has been involved in all the detailing that I've been in for a flag officer and Admiral Richardson has been a great mentor to me throughout my senior part of my career to work here at Naval Reactors is to work with the very brightest, talented and innovative and dedicated people in the United States Navy we have, as Admiral Rickover did the best engineers, logisticians supply officers, CEC officers lawyers, Jags administrative professionals and many more in fact to get ready for the new director of the things we'd accomplished in eight years and it's very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and think about what you're doing but when you step back and look at it the accomplishments are astounding and the list is too long to recite here I'll mention a few of them we are supporting the largest ship construction nuclear-powered warship construction that we've had in decades we delivered forward to the fleet you delivered forward to the fleet we had to battle through many first-of-the-class issues we solved those issues with eye-watering fast-paced world-class technical solutions and I mean that, can't tell you what they are but they are world-class we supported full-ship shock trials and we supported the ships maiden voids that occurred in this time a lot of trouble out there in the world we battled through and solved some core construction manufacturing issues for a 40-year reactor core that is absolutely astounding if you know anything about reactor design and the electric motor challenges so in Columbia we battled through those and all of that is non-trivial we completely modernized our initial training pipeline the curriculum, the platforms that are more training ships for those of you who know what those are and impressive, really impressive immersive trainers all setting the baseline for the next generation trainer which will for the first time in our program will not rely on a critical reactor for training new operators only possible because of the fidelity of the trainers we've recapitalized and we've decommissioned and we're working on our vital infrastructure at our Department of Energy sites with many innovative ideas and approaches this is not just technology it's figuring out how to do it better how to do it differently and the team is stepping up our investments in research and development and that research and development is targeting a different fleet, how can we make it better we're supporting our UK and Australian partners in AUKUS, you've heard about that we're helping our industry partners ramp up and in some cases we have been in the center of the transformation of a culture and a factory floor business case it is hard work, it takes passion, it takes commitment it takes just a number of engagements but I will tell you there are some leaders in industry out there that they are better for their interaction with the Naval Reactors team there are many many more but front and center as our Naval Reactors team it's absolute commitment to the operating fleet this building lives for the fleet we will be here to solve problems when we need to we have supported some of the longest deployments in our Navy's history during the COVID pandemic and kept the fleet operating really proud of that now enabling all of that are the people Naval Reactors they are our competitive advantage as Admiral Rickover said people not organizations get things done I will call out the section heads as a group I wanted to early on start naming people but I realized I just can't do that in your program there's a list of Naval Reactors section heads and Naval Reactors field representatives there are many others who have served in these roles and moved on in time of our current leadership team the real strength of NR is in the section heads each one of these section heads is a master of their area of responsibility they are passionate they are knowledgeable they are technical experts like Admiral Rickover wanted these leaders are not afraid to speak our mind including to the Admiral as in Admiral I don't like what you just said there I don't think it's right I recommend it and there's how we need to do it better that's what we need that's what Admiral Rickover wanted and we respect that and that needs to continue now I also wanted to call out many other individuals on the team but I'm only going to call out two the toughest job at Naval Reactors by far is the deputy director for Naval Reactors okay this is leading mentoring and challenging your peers and I have been fortunate enough to work for two exceptional folks Mr. Steve Trautman and Mr. Chuck Taylor they are standard bearers for the program they bring awesome experience they have provided me invaluable insights and counsel both have wonderful families I thank each one of them for stepping up they're not always popular but they know how to do business and do it well and you folks will never know the depth of my appreciation for everything that you've done and then there is the rest of the NR team these folks that are manning the rafters here the rails Bill you're going to have many events in this venue and you're going to love it it's such a warm welcoming venue you'll have families in and all kinds of things we've actually had the Navy cheerleaders in here we had the Navy mascot goat not the real goat but the mascot we actually made a pyramid that was not a really good choice but it was fun but the rest of this Naval Reactors team is amazing this is the very best part of my job to work with these folks that you see around here these are America's national treasure I want to call out one thing in your program are the Naval Reactors mission core mission vision and core values these were created by the team not Frank Caldwell but by our team and they are really spot on people not organizations get things done technical excellence always integrity in all circumstance possible I have to tell you those words live in this building there isn't a week that goes by that I don't mention one of these there isn't a day that goes by that people aren't talking about these all the time and I really really mean it when I say that that Navy unit combination that is unique and special and that is all you the people in this headquarters all of these things I've said about the Naval Reactors team also extend to our prime two prime contractors that are very close to us the Navy nuclear laboratory team led by Tom Samble Tom where are you good to see you and BPMI led by Miss Barb Stanis Barb good to see you these folks they're like us they speak the same language they care about the same things they're brutally honest we could not do our job without them and every trip I've made to your sites has been amazing Bill you're going to love it and you're going to be inspired by it now one of the things what the Navy did for me was they created an eight year framework looking ahead and the team when you look ahead at that what you see is I like to think about it this way we are on an incline of improving performance bringing ships to the fleet and more and more Bill you are going to be an even steeper part of the incline and it's super exciting and I have to tell you I am envious of what you're going to get to do but you are exactly the right leader your wealth of experience your expertise and your ability to lean at your side and your wonderful family Bill you are going to start today the eight year narrative and I will be cheering you all the way congratulations well deserved now finally I think continuing with the theme of being fortunate I'm fortunate to have been born in this great country it has been an amazing honor to serve know this that the freedoms we enjoy are underpinned by a strong national defense I will end with words from Admiral Rookover these are the words he spoke upon the occasion of commissioning Ohio the burdens of a strong national defense are heavy but those who wish the blessings of liberty must accept the fatigue of supporting it front and center is our united states navy that supports the freedom and the freedom of our allies partners and all those who wish to use the seas peacefully and live in a free world the reality is this the navy that we benefit from today is founded on hard work and the investment begun years if not decades ago a strong navy is imperative for our nation's success a strong navy needs constant investment and commitment during peace so that it will be ready and available when we need it investment in our navy and our aircraft carriers and submarines is tangible evidence as Admiral Rookover used to say tangible evidence that we are prepared to defend our freedoms and the cornerstone that is the navy nuclear propulsion program a main mast in the storm and our team never forget that we work on real things machines that go to sea machines that carry our precious sailors never forget thank you ladies and gentlemen okay bill let's get it done I will now read my orders ladies and gentlemen please rise for the reading of the orders and transfer of command from the secretary of defense to Admiral James F. Caldwell Jr your request to retire has been approved by the secretary of defense effective 1 March 2023 you will be transferred to the retired list in the grade of admiral detached in January 2024 as director of naval reactors Admiral Houston I am ready to be relieved I will now read my orders from chief of naval operations to Admiral Houston subject CNO order 3543 when relieved commander submarine forces and report for duty as director naval nuclear propulsion program Admiral Caldwell I am ready to relieve you ladies and gentlemen please be seated ladies and gentlemen Admiral Bill Houston the 8th director of naval reactors secretary granholm secretary dildo to Toro CNO it's my great honor to be the 8th director of naval reactors thank you for honoring us with your presence today we know we've been here for a very long time my daughter is timing me I will be very brief I would rather say my thanks in person at the reception and it is going to be a world-class reception Admiral Caldwell has assured us that I have to say a few thanks so first to Admiral Caldwell and Kim thank you for such strong foundations that you're turning over this wonderful assignment to Colleen and myself so thank you very much to the naval reactor staff you don't do a change of command every 8 years it's a little longer it's tough to put this together maybe we don't do them that long because they're so they're so long but it's super well done Mr. Gilmour Captain Carter the entire team Mr. Harrington this takes a lot to do in the middle of Christmas stand down thank you to my friends and my shipmates from the audience of people watching us online I could not have made it here without you and many of you know that very very well and I just thank you so much for being here today to my family many of which are here and we've talked about them all I'm just going to say John, Norma Paul Eve who's not here Andy, Mumsy, Doug Carol as Erma Franketti said dual military moving all the time I'm just glad we're staying put for 8 years and Colleen is especially happy Colleen Emily Lauren I won't mention the little guy the grandson river those of you who know me takes a big part of my life he would have run out of here like an hour and a half ago and he would have hot wired all your cars just thank you you are my if you want to hear stories about getting my crap together they have kept me in line the whole time and kept me very humble and I will tell you they will tell you all the stories over at the reception if you're willing to stick around long enough and lastly I do want to thank the neighbor reactors and that's the directors that's the organization that's past present and future and I want to talk about what it represents how we celebrate the tenacity and vision of then captain Hyman G Rickover and the founders of the neighbor reactors organization they took not a list from a thought to underway on nuclear power in 70 years they take the best and secretary grand home you said it very well but I will tell you interagency working department of energy department of defense department of Navy national nuclear security administration putting those organizations together and having them work well is exceptionally difficult and there is no organization in government that does it better than neighbor reactors and I just am amazed that they do that as we watch what neighbor reactors and we celebrate what neighbor reactors has done for the last 75 years I will highlight we are a free nation of our security which is dependent on our maritime arm the Navy as Erma Franketti would call it the away team and when you look at the away team this organization enables 70% of our nuclear deterrent to be carried on Ohio class submarines powered by nuclear power most survivable most flexible most adaptable leg of our nuclear triad when we have a crisis the president asks for where are the carrier strikers the carriers powered by nuclear propulsion and if you look at our apex predators the SSN force that is enabled by nuclear power that is resident in this building for 75 years and it's a testimony to what this organization founded by then captain Rick Over has enabled this organization founded 75 years ago has given us that asymmetric advantage and while I will be the first director not interviewed by Erma Rick Over I'm sure he is watching over me right now as a connolly gentleman and telling me to get on with it I vow to continue the historical performance of excellence in everything they do thank you may God continue to bless this nation the departments of energy in the Navy and the Navy nuclear propulsion program guests please remain standing for the benediction let us close in prayer now with the change of command finished the transfer of authority may the Lord bless you and keep you the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace today and always Bosen post the side boys Admiral Caldwell sir the watch is relieved we have the watch Bosen stand by to pipe the side shipmate going ashore Admiral James Frank Caldwell Jr. United States Navy retired in Miss Caldwell departing Ladies and gentlemen this concludes the ceremony guests please remain seated for departure of members of the official party please join us for a reception in the HMNAPC headquarters across the street ushers are standing by to direct you to the reception area