A TRADITION that symbolizes the handover of continuous and complete authority over the unit and crew from one person to another is known as the Change of Command.
Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Battalion conducted their annual Change of Command and promotion ceremony for the incoming battalion commander on May 5, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Manta Ray Battalion was in a battalion formation as they were positioned in front of Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Monument. The ceremony started with the Battalion Color Guard presenting the colors while the National and CNMI anthems were sung by C/2LT Logan Mendiola and Johanna Mogar.
The newly promoted battalion commander, C/LTC Mechaella De Ramos, received the colors after being passed through the outgoing C/CSM Anthony Villagomez, outgoing commander C/LTC Julius Torres, and the SSHS principal, Mr. Vince Dela Cruz.
The Change of Command ceremony commemorated the outgoing battalion commander, C/LTC Julius Torres, relinquishing his position to the incoming battalion commander, C/LTC Mechaella De Ramos.
C/LTC Julius Torres was given a plaque as a recognition for his dedication, commitment, and strong leadership skills while he commanded the Manta Ray Battalion during the SY 2022-2023. His successor, C/LTC Mechaella De Ramos, will be the next to light the way for the Manta Ray Battalion into an aspiring path for the SY 2023-2024.
Both outgoing and incoming battalion commanders celebrated the occasion by cutting a cake shared with the other cadets.
Special thank you to Senior Director of Student and Support Services Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan, BOE Vice Chairperson SGM (Ret.) Herman Atalig, BOE Member Maisie Tenorio, and both the outgoing and incoming battalion commanders parents for showing up for this memorable occasion. We’d also like to thank SSHS Principal Mr. Vince Dela Cruz, SSHS Vice Principal, Mrs. Arisa Sakai-Peters, and our CNMI State Teacher of the Year, Mr. Donovan Tudela, for constantly supporting and guiding our cadets.
The Manta Ray Battalion’s Senior Army Instructor CSM (ret.) Richard Basa and Army Instructor SFC (ret.) Deynarose Sunderland recognized the incoming staff for the SY 2023-2024 and celebrated with the cadets and student leaders who provided support to the Mighty Manta Ray Battalion.
The SSHS Battalion cadets with education officials.
The Manta Ray Battalion cadets present arms while the anthems were being sung.
The HQ Company at parade rest.
The battalion at parade rest.
The outgoing battalion commander and his plaque.
The incoming battalion commander.
The incoming battalion commander receives the battalion colors from the outgoing battalion C/CSM, the outgoing battalion commander, and the SSHS principal
The outgoing and incoming commanders cut the cake with a saber.
The Color Guard
