Retirement Ceremony

Randy’s Retirement Ceremony.  

This was a big day. 31 Aug 2005.  Soon I’ll be free.  Another awesome San Diego day!!  

Excerpts from my Speech from that day.

Commodore, Distinguish Guest, Family, Friends, and Shipmates.  Thank you for joining my family and me on this beautiful San Diego day.  

  Monday Diana asked me if we are just going to wing it.  I told her we probably could since most of us have been to a number of these events.  However, most of you know that I would never wing anything.  Normally, we over plan and then we execute.  When I thought about it.  Controlled winging has been a way of life for us.  Normally, you have a Plan of the Day…….  Everything goes to hell in about the first 5 minutes of the day then we have officer’s call at 7:05 so the XO can change the plan…  Then you break into your Departmental group, at 7:15 only for the DH too tells you there plan.  Then the Divo and Chiefs go off to their division, at 7:30 to tell them the plan… First, the Divo has no plan the Chief has the plan and then your workers tell you what there plans are for the day, at 8:00… There goes the plan….  How we doing so far?  Now we are going to wing it…


In 1994 was selected to Chief Petty Officer.  During the initiation process I had lot’s of Chief’s tell me take care of your people and they will take care of you…..  Don’t forget where you came from….   Back when in those days the leaders that took an active role in your transit to Chief you formed a strong bond of loyality.  Those were the guys you never wanted to let down.  Those leaders I would like to thank the most are Senior Chief Frank Mayer, Master Chief then Senior Chief Dave Horner, Chief Marlin Howze, Master Chief Rick Dillard, LT Bobby Pullin (My first LPO on USS FIFE), and the one Senior Chief I use to call the Mayor of the OS rate.  Tell them why I call Wylie the mayor…… I learned what it meant to be a strong leader.  Little did I know that several years later I’d be doing the same thing?  People are seeking leadership and with a little direct they will do amazing things.  Be the leader that our young sailors need.

What is the difference from the Chief’s mess and the Wardroom?  The mess is like walking into an episode of the night at the Apollo.  The Wardroom is like a Bill Cosby comedy show.  Both have a lot to offer.  The mess is raw and in your face.  The Wardroom is proper but ……

Diana and the boys.  
     During my commission ceremony I mentioned that Diana is my lighthouse which has always provided me direction and kept me clear of the dangerous shoal.  Diana you were there from the beginning.  We married 4 months before I joined the NAVY.  She has always provided a solid foundation for our family life and without you none of the thing that I’ve achieve would be possible.  Even if they were achievable they would not mean as much. Thank you for giving me a great family and a great life.  I look forward to the next phase of our life together.  Cuca you should be very proud of your daughter she is a wonderful person.
Jason two comments you’ve made to over the years that have really stuck with me are; Business as usual and were scared of you….  Although deploying was part of the job I want to let you know the leaving you and Ryan was never business as usual for me.  I was happy that you could except that I was leaving again but every time I left I did with a heavy heart knowing that I was going to miss part of your lives.  I’m glad that part of my new business does involve me leaving you guys for extended periods.  As for you being scared of me it’s always good to have a little fear don’t lose that….  Thank you for being good kids.  I’m proud of both of you and I love you both.

  20 years ago I would have never believed the People, Places, Experience, and World changing events, some which I’ve been part of my life’s journey.  I’ve been on every continent on this planet with the exception of Antarctica (I was 90 miles from there).  I was the boarding Officer on a non compliant Iraqi Oil smuggler, I’ve been to the green table (By the way there was no table), Briefed Ministers of Defense and CNO equivalents of Australia, South Korea and Japan.  Been on ships in the most dominant Navy in the world and fired weapons with a purpose.  I’ve been the Conning Officer of a 10-ton ship that is 150 yards from a 97-ton Aircraft while taking on fuel.  Given and received engagement orders to fire live ordnance.  Logged hundred of thousand Laughs and memories of people place and experiences.  
Civilian Friends, and Strangers when hearing that I’m in the NAVY offer their sincere appreciation for my service to the country.  Most of the things I’ve just mention flash to mind.  It is you I must thank…. Thank you all for the privilege it is to serve for this great country and I also thank you to those who continue to serve in the greatest “military power” in the world.