Chapter 9

Monday May 24

Harm and Mac drove to work separately. This day would be a day of many challenges. A new commanding officer who didn't know them or the office, telling said CO of Mac's medical condition and worst of all in Mac's mind the constant looks of pity on everybody's faces.

At exactly 0900 everybody was called into the courtyard of JAG headquarters. The entire office stood rigidly at attention as Admiral AJ Chegwidden approached the podium.

"I performed my last official act as JAG on Friday," He began, giving a slight nod to Bud, "today I am here to pass the command of the Judge Advocate General Corps to Rear Admiral Jackie Williams. For the past 5 years Admiral Williams has been the head of the European JAG office in Naples, Italy. Admiral Williams I offer you the command of the Judge Advocate General Corps."

A woman of about 50 stepped forward. The entire company raised their hands to salute; the admiral returned the salute and then approached the podium.

"Admiral Chegwidden, I accept the command of the Judge Advocate General Corps." Admiral Williams said.

"At ease," she commanded.

"Now that the formalities are dispensed with, I'd like to say a few things," Williams addressed the assembly. "Admiral Chegwidden has provided me with memos describing the way this office works. No doubt there will be differences between our command styles but I will try to make the transition as painless as possible. I haven't had a chance to read through the memos in detail but one thing is made abundantly clear; this office is a family. I hope that you will eventually accept me as a member of that family. Admiral Chegwidden any last words before I dismiss the troops?"

"Just a couple of things," AJ said, "firstly I would like to say again that it has been a pleasure serving with all of you. Secondly, Admiral Williams in right, we no doubt have differences in out command styles. She's also new here, take that into consideration and show her the respect she deserves. Thirdly, this is for certain members of my senior staff, you know who you are, please try not give the admiral a heart attack she's not used to your, hehem, style." Every one of the officers and enlisted gathered knew he was speaking of Commanders Rabb and Turner and occasionally Colonel MacKenzie. "I'll be coming around to say a personal farewell to many of you, for those I don't see, goodbye and good luck. It has been a pleasure to be your commanding officer."

AJ gave a nod to Admiral Williams who promptly dismissed the office. The people of the JAG Corps walked back into the building with mixed emotions. They were sad that AJ was going but they were also glad that the new admiral didn't seem to be much different. Of course only time would tell if that was true. Each person headed back to their desk to resume the everyday grind.

TBC