We met our group at the cafe in the museum for lunch at 11 and then had some time to do more touring of the museum. Dan took us to see the brick honoring Dustin's retirement and the Hawkeye Aircraft that Dustin had flown in many times during his Navy career. It is the Navy's primary carrier-based airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. His particular plane was the last one to land on the Naval Carrier the Enterprise before it was "retired"! So, the Navy decided that because a Hawkeye Aircraft was not represented in the museum to place that particular one there. Now Dustin's name will be part of history forever as the lieutenant commander of that plane because his name is written on the outside of the plane! What an honor!
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| Jackie and Dan, Dustin's parents, and his children, Teya and Cael! |
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| This is Dustin's plane, the last one to land on the aircraft carrier, the Enterprise! |
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| Wow, his name will be on the plane for all to see! |
At 1:00 the ceremony began for Dustin to pass on his commander position to the officer under him. FYI - Dustin is the Commander of the F-10 Hanger here at the Pensacola Naval Base and is in charge of training all the pilots that are stationed here, except for the Blue Angels and the jet pilots. It is a very distinguished position and he is such a capable and very humble leader that is loved and respected by all those under him. His boss, the Commodore, spoke at the ceremony and it was obvious how much he was impressed with Dustin and appreciated working with him.
- This was a ceremony before Dustin's, but they had to add about
- double the number of seats when his turn came!
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| Dustin gave a very gracious and moving speech! |
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| The medal on the screen was presented to Dustin! |
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| Certificate for his years of service! |
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| Changing Commanders! |
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| A speech by the next commander! |
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| Dustin was trying to take it all in! |
The retirement part of the ceremony was so moving also. He received a flag that he presented to Leticia, got certificates from all the living Presidents, and Leticia, Teya, and Cael also received recognition as the family of a career serviceman. Dustin's speech was amazing and his presentation exceptional. The ceremony ended with the ringing of a bell and the blowing of the whistle symbolizing the ending of a Naval Career and the entrance- into civilian life. Dustin walked the "bridge" 1st and then did it a 2nd time with Leticia, Cael, and Teya. It was a real tear jerker! All in all, Ken and I were so honored and thrilled to be a part of this entire experience!
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| Certificates from all the living Presidents! |
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| Receiving the flag that Dustin presented to Leticia! |
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| Leticia, Teya and Cael got certificates too for the part they played in Dustin's career! |
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| Time to walk the bridge symbolizing leaving the Naval life and entering his new life outside of the Navy! |
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| A cake party after the ceremony! |
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| Dustin's nickname in the Navy was Eeyore and I love the quote that does a good job of summarizing how Dustin lives his life! |
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| Dustin's immediate and extended family! |
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| We were so thrilled and grateful to be part of this special time! |
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| One of the gifts Dustin received! |
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| This was another special gift from the airmen he oversaw and this metal wall hanging was done by one of the men! |
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| A photo of the hanger he was commander of and the different positions he has had during his Naval career! |
After some cake, Dustin's family, parents, aunts, uncle, and Ken and I went to the IMax theater in the Museum to watch a movie on the activities on a Naval Carrier! Very interesting!
Ken and I went back to Hagy's hotel before we all went to the special dinner at the Fish House for Dustin's guests, family, and friends to continue the celebration of his special day. We ate on the deck and the food was delicious. Everyone had a great evening. Ken and I were back to our hotel by 9:30 and we went right to bed.
Hi! I was searching for my high school French teacher, Jackie Hagy, and found her here on your blog! I would love to reconnect with her. We met up once when I lived in PA about 20 years ago. :)
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