Capt. Charles “Chip” Culberson Denman, Navy commander for Military Sealift Command Far East, read the orders and facilitated the change of command ceremony at the Visitor Center of American Memorial Park yesterday morning.
Denman commended Awai for a long list of accomplishments during his one-year stay here.
“You are a dynamic leader, and you have done a lot,” Denman said.
“Today, I won’t be giving a farewell speech but I am saying ‘thank you’ for all who have helped me get my job done. Someday, I will be back here and see you all again,” Awai said in his brief message.
Awai assumed command of the Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron Three in May last year. He told the Variety that he will miss Saipan.
“I will miss the people, the beautiful beaches, the mountains, and the friendly community,” he said.
Awai, a native of Hawaii, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1976 and has been into several sea and shore assignments all over the Pacific. Awai will be going back to Hawaii.
“I’ll be spending some time with my family whom I haven’t seen for a year,” he said.
McLay, a surface warfare officer from Nevada, was deployed to Korea prior to her assignment here.
A first timer on Saipan, McLay said she has been here for a week.
“I love the sea and the warm weather and everything here. I know filling the shoes that Awai will be leaving behind will be a tough task, but I will do my best to continue what he was doing,” McLay said.
