Photo By Brian Melanephy | (l to r) Director Maritime Operations, U.S. Pacific Fleet Rear Adm. Victorino Mercado;...... read more read more
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PORT HUENEME, Calif. – An emotional ceremony on a bittersweet day marked the end of a long and proud career for Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Cmdr. Paul Sumagaysay, Dec. 15.
A 23-year active duty career came to a close.
The Audiovisual Center was packed with co-workers, mentors, family and friends for a ceremony steeped in military tradition. The event was a class act from start to finish; from the arrival of the official party to the piping ashore at the conclusion. The parade of colors, National Anthem, speeches, prayers and presentation of awards and mementoes turned dry eyes to tears.
Sumagaysay, a native of the Philippines, started his Navy career when he enlisted in 1988. He shipped off to boot camp and then went on to be an electronics technician in the Navy nuclear power program.
“This was the outset journey to discover honor, courage and commitment,” Sumagaysay said.
He commissioned through the broadening officer and officer select training program in 1992. His journey as an officer took him around the world, while serving in numerous tough assignments along the way. His career culminated when he stepped on station at NSWC PHD in December of 2014 and assumed the role of CSO.
Sumagaysay’s tours ashore and afloat often took him away from his family – something that often comes with the territory when serving the Nation. He proudly accepted this sacrifice, but as his children grew up he grew more and more ready to spend time at home.
In a heartfelt message in his retirement program, Sumagaysay summarized the ups and downs of his career from a teenager into his 40s.
“Now is the moment to return back home for good. However, I know my business in not finished with the DoD,” Sumagaysay said.
When he took the stage to say goodbye and thank all in attendance, he often fought back tears. Yet, he never lost his sense of humor and his calming style. He joked he wanted the ceremony to be covered, so that no one could see his tears.
When it was time to thank his wife and his family, his cover could not hide his emotions. He started by thanking his wife, his “soul mate.” He followed with his daughters and then on to his mom and dad. He thanked his mom for having the courage to immigrate to the United States, while being forced to leave Sumagaysay’s dad behind.
The family eventually came together and started a chapter in their lives that led them to where they were on this day, proudly recognizing a husband, father and son who is a true patriot, a fine officer and the epitome of the American Dream.
At the conclusion of his remarks, the “side boys” posted and Sumagaysay, with his wife and daughters by his side, was piped ashore for the last time.
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2016 12:21 |
| Story ID: | 218128 |
| Location: | PORT HUENEME, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Fair winds and calm seas: division bids farewell to beloved leader, by Brian Melanephy, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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