 After 30 years of naval service, Fleet Forces Master Chief Scott Benning retired from the Navy in a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., March 8th. Benning has been a key influence on leadership within the Navy, starting programs such as Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions that continue to grow and positively influence sailors. It's always tough to bid farewell to a friend and a shipmate, especially one who has had such an impact on our Navy and the men and women that serve. It's hard for me personally, though, because you and I have spent the past three-plus years together working side-by-side on many issues across Navy and DOD. We didn't always agree, you know, all that meant to that, but we always worked to resolution, which I think is very important. So I thank you for that, shipmate. It's a humbling day because for me it's a day of appreciation and appreciation for many people that helped me reach this pinnacle in my career, the ending of my naval career or start of future opportunities. And so as I look back over 30 years and I think about the number of people, family first, who have always been there for me, supported me and guided me, mentored me and helped me get to where I am today, a loving wife that's been with me since day one, two amazing young men in my family, and then all the mentors and shipmates across the Navy that have really been a part of shaping who I am today. And so this today is really an opportunity for me to say thank you. Everybody wants to make it my day, but at the end of the day it's everybody else's day because it's everybody who contributed to me to get me to where I am. We are here to say, shipmate, the watch stands relieved. Relieved by those you have trained, guided and led. For Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Christopher Hall.