Most of you are aware this is my last From the Skipper column.

Tomorrow I pass the helm to my Exec Officer Capt. Andy Macyko with a strong confidence that under his leadership Pax River will continue on course as the world’s finest naval air station.

Relinquishing the command will be tough ... but that’s how we do it in our Navy — and it works great.

I bid farewell to a 34-year Navy experience that has been incredible. I have met and made so many friends among my shipmates, Sailors, Marines, civilian and contractor employees, and their families.

I will miss the camaraderie, the mentoring, the watching young Sailors grow and move up through the ranks, and the opportunity to fly with some of the best aviators in the Navy. I also will miss the deployments and those gorgeous sunsets and sunrises at sea.

The last two years, as your commanding officer, have been spectacular. I will particularly miss the Individual Augmentee homecomings. We at Pax River have set the bar high to show our IAs and their families that we appreciate the sacrifices they have made to allow us to do our jobs and live in freedom in the best country in the world.

I am humbled, honored and proud to have been part of a team that takes care of its own — from the highest command levels down. You, Pax Pros are compassionate, caring and selfless. The IA homecomings are but a small display. While I was your Skipper, I truly felt I was part of a team. Better yet, a family, that is overloaded with so many good, good people. There never was such a thing as a bad day at Pax River.

Pax River is known worldwide as the Navy’s full spectrum acquisition, research, development, test and evaluation center of excellence for all of naval aviation. That’s the mission. At the heart of this center of excellence are the many highly trained employees who make up the integrated test teams and state-of-the-art laboratories and those who support those efforts.

You all have exhibited a dedicated commitment to the Pax Promise. You work hard and safely to achieve our mission as one team. You respect, trust and take care of one another and our families. You do it right the first time — every time. No one does it better.

My Navy service has been nothing short of fantastic. I already have been asked, what is your most memorable moment or event? There are memories that standout more than others, but believe me. The last two years could not have been better or more meaningful. I can honestly say I had the best job in the Navy — hands down!

It was all because of you, the more than 22,000 dedicated Pax Pros who come to work every day at the finest naval air station in the world.

So after tomorrow, I look forward to a new day and another challenge — hopefully one that can match what I have experienced in the Navy.

Thank you all for such a wonderful final two years in the Navy. I couldn’t imagine a better way to wrap up my service. It has been an honor to be your commanding officer.