WASHINGTON, D.C. - A change of office and retirement ceremony was held onboard Washington Navy Yard in Washington D.C., May 16. Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Michael Gilday, presided over the event as Rear Adm. Gregory Todd relieved retiring Rear Adm. Brent Scott to become the 27th Navy Chief of Chaplains.
Scott is an ordained minister in the Chaplaincy of Full Gospel Churches and a native of Amarillo, Texas. The retirement ceremony marked the culmination of 30 years of military service.
"From the moment he swore the oath three decades ago, he has been a beacon of light and a consummate leader in our Navy," Gilday said. "Our Navy is more resilient and stronger in heart and mind having you at our spiritual helm."
In Scott's remarks to the assembled crowd, he immediately credited Navy chaplains and Religious Program Specialists for the success of his tenure.
"This is my tribe," Scott said, suppressing tears. "These enablers of spiritual strength are the men and women who have thrust themselves in the middle of the muddle with Sailors, Marines, and Coastguardsmen. I am forever indebted to you and will spend the rest of my days grateful for you and your service and support."
Scott then read his retirement orders and gave the command for his flag to be lowered for the final time then turned to Gilday and reported that he was ready to be relieved.
Todd followed by reading his orders and was promoted to Rear Admiral Upper Half and then gave the command for his flag to be raised for the first time as the 27th Chief of Navy Chaplains.
Todd is a native of Seattle and is an ordained minister of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. He has previously served as the Chaplain of the Marine Corps and Deputy Chief of Navy Chaplains.
"A sense of overwhelming gratitude barely scratches the surface of our emotions today," Todd said. He thanked all those who had supported him along the way, including Scott for his mentorship and Teresa, his wife of 40 years, for her partnership and support.
Todd concluded his remarks by reminding the Chaplain Corps of their solemn responsibility.
"It is part of our vocation as the Chaplain Corps to call the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard to their sacred duty to wield the sword in righteousness; we prepare them spiritually in anticipation of that difficult task and we stand by them in this challenge. My prayer is that we will be faithful shepherds, always present and faithful to our flock with our divine tools to strengthen them," Todd said.
