A great cryptologist had his retirement yesterday 1/10/09 - Captain Mark A. Wilson concluded a 25 year career (29 if you count his time at the United States Naval Academy) on 1 December 2008. Mark and I first met in 1984 when we were assigned to Naval Security Group Detachment Atsugi, Japan. We flew together with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) in EP-3B/E Orion reconnaissance aircraft. In 1985, he wrote his own orders to Al Masirah, Island to relieve me in the Indian Ocean so I could be home for the birth of our daughter Bond. We have been friends (family) for 25 years. We have seen each other's children grow into adults. We have shared in lives dedicated to the Navy we love with the women we love. We have shared in successes and sorrows, triumphs and failures. I rarely drink but was happy to toast the great career Mark enjoyed. Our Navy is much better for his service and will sorely miss his leadership. A man of his character and selfless leadership is truly a rare breed in the Navy today.
The ceremony was a real tribute to Mark and his family. When there was a technical glitch with the sound system which precluded the playing of the National Anthem, Mark's good friend, Captain Mark Patton led the entire group of attendees in singing our National Anthem. Not a single person was shy about singing in praise of our great country - or Mark's service. Captain Mark Patton saved the day - as you would expect a leader of his calibre to do.
CONGRATULATIONS Captain Mark A. Wilson and family. Thank you for your unselfish service to the Navy and the Nation. He's almost all yours now Monique...except for his day job!
The ceremony was a real tribute to Mark and his family. When there was a technical glitch with the sound system which precluded the playing of the National Anthem, Mark's good friend, Captain Mark Patton led the entire group of attendees in singing our National Anthem. Not a single person was shy about singing in praise of our great country - or Mark's service. Captain Mark Patton saved the day - as you would expect a leader of his calibre to do.
CONGRATULATIONS Captain Mark A. Wilson and family. Thank you for your unselfish service to the Navy and the Nation. He's almost all yours now Monique...except for his day job!
1 comment:
Captain Lambert,
Another great benefit of being a career Sailor is the great people you met along the way and the things you shared with them and their families. You mentioned this in a past blog entry and it is my belief that nearly all career Sailors share experiences that they cherish for the rest of their lives due to the Sailors they served with. We are so fortunate to have had the privilege to be associated with these great friends and Shipmates.
Very Respectfully,
Navyman834
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