The Change of Command ceremony is not prescribed specifically by U.S. Navy Regulations, but rather is a time-honored naval tradition.
Like many of the ceremonies and traditions of our Navy, it draws its origins from ancient customs and laws of the sea begun early seafaring men. The credit for preserving these customs belongs to Navy men and women worldwide who understand the importance of conducting themselves in “accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
By custom, this ceremony is formal and impressive, designed to strengthen the respect for authority so vital to every military organization. Mustering “all hands” at quarters and publicly reading official orders stems from the days when movement of the mail and persons was a very slow process. The Change of Command ceremony guarantees that “all hands” personally witness the official passing of authority between officers who are duly authorized to hold command.
The ceremony includes the formal reading of official orders by the relieving officer and the officer relieved. Command passes when the relieving officer says, “I relieve you,” and the officer being relieved responds, “I stand relieved.” This simple procedure is repeated hundreds of times a day throughout the navies of the world when officers transfer their watchstanding duties aboard ship.
The strength of today’s Navy comes in large measure from the observance of customs and traditions that inspire stability, combat effectiveness and the smooth transfer of authority. This simple ceremony, whereby complete responsibility and accountability pass between two naval officers, is a reflection of the spirit and integrity of all Navy men and women — past, present and future.
