New chief takes helm at naval station

Published 10:56 pm Friday, August 10, 2007

EVERETT – Navy Capt. Thomas Mascolo on Friday relieved Capt. Eddie Gardiner as commanding officer of Naval Station Everett in a change of command ceremony.

The formal ceremony is a Navy tradition, though not mandatory by Navy regulations. Its purpose is to reinstate continuity of command to officers and crew.

The ceremony also reflects the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.

With a single sentence, “I stand relieved,” Gardiner turned over command to Mascolo.

Rear Admiral Robert Passmore had only kind words for Gardiner, with whom he had worked closely.

“He is a sailor’s sailor,” Passmore said. “He put the sailors first.”

The change of command also marked Gardiner’s retirement. Gardiner was presented with an American flag to commemorate his time with the Navy.

His wife, Lynn, received a special Navy letter of appreciation as well. The letter, signed by Passmore, said Lynn was “hereby transferred to retirement duty as a Navy wife.”

Gardiner served in the Navy for 38 years. He served as commanding officer of Naval Station Everett since 2004.

“Lynn and I hope we’ve made a contribution to our Navy and our nation,” Gardiner said.

Under Gardiner’s command, the Navy on Wednesday broke ground for a new $61 million bachelor’s quarters. The quarters will give younger sailors a place to stay off ship while their vessels are in port.

Taking over for such a successful commanding officer is a tough act to follow, Mascolo said.

“I’m going to try to act like I’ve been here the whole time,” he said.

Mascolo comes to Everett from the Pentagon, where he served as a military assistant to the Executive Secretariat of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.