Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Shayla Hamilton | 200918-N-IR096-0039 SAN ANTONIO (September 18, 2020) Capt. Ann Case, right, relieves...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 18, 2020) – Capt. Ann M. Case relieved Capt. Maryann Mattonen as commanding officer of Navy Medicine Training Support Center (NMTSC) during a combined change-of-command and retirement ceremony, Sept. 18.
Rear Adm. Cynthia A. Kuehner, director, Navy Nurse Corps and commander, Naval Medical Forces Support Command (NMFSC) served as the presiding officer for the ceremony.
“What an honor it is to be present for these time-honored traditions of great significance in our Navy,” said Kuehner. “Today, we will witness both a change of command and retirement ceremony.”
The event which took place at the historic, 85-year-old Fort Sam Houston Theatre, reflected two highly-decorated careers that very few experience.
“Many of us are familiar with the stated statistic, ‘less than one percent of Americans will wear the cloth of our nation in service to our great country.’ Within the Navy, less than one percent of the total naval force achieves the rank of captain and from that number, only a relative handful will be afforded the opportunity to command. Today, we recognize this career high watermark for two accomplished naval officers celebrating this distinguished milestone.”
While COVID-19 has dampened many memories in 2020, it has sparked a bright light on the path of hope and courage.
“The year 2020 has been remarkable and it’s not over yet. It has challenged us in many ways. We’ve been forced to change the way we work; the way we meet; the way we communicate; and the way that we connect,” says Kuehner. “ Both Capt. Mattonen and Capt. Case are officers who have run toward the conflict; the chaos; the challenge, and who have led with exemplary competence and impeccable character adhering always to our Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.”
Mattonen assumed command of NMTSC in June 2018 and is retiring after 29 years of honorable service.
“To the 500 plus crew members of Navy Medicine Training Support Center, you all made it easy to come to work every day,” said Mattonen. “I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the good times and all of your successes with you. I know the United States Navy will continue to be the greatest fighting force in the world because of you.”
Mattonen and Case read their orders and transferred authority of command center stage with Kuehner following Mattonen’s remarks.
Administratively screened and selected officers are authorized to wear the command insignia immediately upon assumption of command. The command shore insignia was established to recognize the responsibilities placed on officers who are in command of shore activities such as Navy Medicine Training Support Center.
Case, a Lancaster, Wisconsin native, arrives as commanding officer of NMTSC from her most recent assignment as executive officer, U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay.
“I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to be here in San Antonio and to be part of an incredible team who are truly the epitome of Rear Admiral Gillingham’s priorities focusing on the education of people,” said Case. “Rear Admiral Kuehner, thank you so much for being here. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead during my tour and pledge to do my very best every day to honor the privilege of leading this fine team.”
A retirement ceremony for Mattonen followed the change-of-command ceremony.
“Today, we are all here to celebrate and honor Capt. Maryann Mattonen’s amazing Naval career and dedicated service of 29 years to our great nation,” said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Chris Graham, NMTSC’s command master chief (CMC). “As we gather here today, we all start recalling our time in service and the many trials, hardships, and accomplishments that we have had in our careers. We start to remember the many people who influenced and mentored us along the way; and ma’am, I can speak for our command in saying you are one of the people we will always remember for influencing and inspiring us. Skipper, you taught us that we are only as good as those around us. That’s what makes us who we are.”
As a symbol of Capt. Mattonen’s professional excellence as commanding officer, Graham led the audience in reciting the Sailor’s Creed to reinforce the esprit de corps in all who were present. During that moment, the green, red, and blue that often characterize the military services became a single, purple color.
“A retirement is a solemn moment in a Sailor’s life,” said Graham. “It is the end of something special. You want people to be around you and hold witness to prove that all the sacrifices were worth it. And sacrifice is found throughout Captain Mattonen’s service record. Captain Mattonen has been all over the globe dedicating her life to the service of our Navy and nation. She has been through Desert Storm, OIF [Operation Iraqi Freedom], OEF [Operation Enduring Freedom], 9/11, COVID-19 and her performance and leadership were always stellar, no matter the situation. Twenty nine long years, Skipper. You did it. It has been an honor to have served as your CMC. Your country thanks you; all of your Sailors salute you.”
Traditionally, a CMC serves as principal enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and exemplifies what it means to be a Sailor. When the bond between a commanding officer and a CMC is cohesively formed, it creates a synergistic effect that enhances leadership throughout the command.
“Normally when one retires, their guest speaker is typically someone more senior to the member retiring,” said Mattonen. “Someone who possibly was a strong mentor or was very meaningful to the retiring member’s progression in their career. When I was considering who to have as my guest speaker, I wanted someone who I admired, had worked well with and wholeheartedly respected. For me, there was only one option and that was Command Master Chief Graham.” Mattonen’s closing remarks expressed sincere gratitude. “To the men and women of Navy Medicine Training Support Center, it has been my greatest honor leading you and serving with you. Thank you.”
In preparation for departure, Capt. Mattonen requested to go ashore for the last time and summoned her family to join her new beginning.
“Today, we have given most of the Pomp and Circumstance to honors, traditions, and ceremonies back through history, said Capt. Joe Gomez, NMTSC’s executive officer. “Time does not give us the freedom to do all these things from the past, but we still have to stop all engines, lay about smartly and drop anchor to pay homage to one of our shipmates going ashore. We honor the years served, the guidance, the leadership, the mentorship, and the expertise that Captain Mattonen has freely given throughout her career. Captain, United States Navy, retired and family, departing!”
NMTSC is the Navy component command providing administrative and operational control over Navy staff and students assigned to the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) and other medical programs in the San Antonio area.
Join the conversation with NMTSC online at www.facebook.com/NMTSCFSH/
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2020 19:31 |
| Story ID: | 378353 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 841 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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