| Subject: London Series - Part 16...The Best of the Best |
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Maximus
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Date Posted: 07:57:01 09/22/06 Fri
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "London Series" on 13:06:25 09/06/06 Wed
London Series: Part 16
Author: Maximus
Part 16 Title: THE BEST OF THE BEST
Command Home
Friday, 25 November
08:30 Hrs
As Harm, Sarah, Kate, and Mr. & Mrs. Sheffield were finishing breakfast they were discussing the Navy Wives Thanksgiving Day Party yesterday and last minute details about today’s 10:30 meeting. Everyone was dressed in full dress uniform and looked so squared away. Harm asked Mr. Sheffield if he wanted any special introduction to his remarks. His answer was “not really.” He said he was going to make remarks and then present promotions.
Harm looked for Manny but he was no where to be found. Harm explained about no Limo and everyone got into Harm’s SUV and made the trip to the chow hall which was the only place large enough to have everyone meet.
Chow Hall
10:30 Hrs
The large space had been cleaned after last night’s great party and chairs had been lined up. The place was rather noisy with over 700 people waiting to hear the man.
SECNAV took the podium at 10:30 and addressed the crowd. He thanked everyone for all of their hard work and attention to detail. He made remarks about the importance of the job they were doing and how through their cooperation, Golden Net had helped make every ones life better. He discussed how he thought the next year would impact everyone. Overall he tried to thank and make everyone understand how important they were to him and the Navy.
He turned to Commander Manetti and nodded. She approached the table on SECNAV’s left and picked up the first velvet case and paper. He opened the paper and called forth the following people.
• 4 Lt. JG’s
• 3 Lt.’s (including Allen Vance)
• 3 Lt. Cmdr’s (including Bud)
He called the 4 Lt. JG’s forward and asked them to repeat the oath. After they gave it, he presented each with their new Lt. Shoulder boards which their wives and others helped attach. He then gave two of them transfer orders to a new duty station. They then returned to their seats to applause.
He called 3 Lt’s (one being Allen Vance) forward and asked them to repeat the oath and presented them with their new Lt. Cmdr. Shoulder boards. Wives and others helped attach the boards. Linda and Geri completed it for Allen. They all took their seats to applause.
The doors made some noise when opening as Master Chief Manual pushed Mattie through the door in her wheel chair as
Chief Hazel Martinez and Petty Officer Manny Alverez followed. Everything remained quiet as she was pushed up to the reserved seats up front with Harm and Sarah. SECNAV winked at her and turned back to the podium.
He then called the 3 Lt. Commanders (one being Bud) forward and had them repeat the oath and presented them their new Commander Shoulder boards. Harriett came forward, kissed him, and attached Bud’s boards. Harm and Sarah came forward and shook his hand. SECNAV then presented transfer orders to Commander Roberts returning him to JAG HQ as the new Chief of Staff with a report date of 12 December. They took their seats to applause.
SECNAV turned and took a drink of water, creating a change of tempo. He motioned for Harm and Sarah to come forward. He turned and prepared himself for maybe the most important speech he was to ever give as SECNAV.
“A few months ago I made a decision, with the concurrence of the CNO and the Commandant, to stand up Joint Legal Service Centers. The intent was to have both Navy and Marine lawyers working together in the field to give faster, more personalized service. The centers have exceeded our expectations and will allow the JAG headquarters staff to now be reduced by having more attorneys move into the field. In recognition of the current political demands made of the JAG, General Cresswell, we are creating a new position for an Assistant Judge Advocate General. A search was made of every qualified candidate and was finally narrowed down to two.”
He had tried to indicate that was the end of the thought by ending the sentence in a final statement. He backed up and took another drink. He motioned for Harm and Sarah to turn to the crowd. He acted like he was starting a new thought “Today I have your Commanding Officer Captain Harmon Rabb Jr and his wife, Marine Colonel Sarah Rabb here. These two are… (he shouted).... THE BEST OF THE BEST.” He stopped and became quiet to let it soak in. Bud first and then everyone was on their feet applauding and whistling.
After the applause slowed down he continued. “Yes, we found these two to be the 2 top choices in the combined Navy/Marine corps services. I believe you can appreciate the monumental task we then faced. Choosing between these two was going to be impossible.
Over the past few months Colonel Rabb has been under my direct command as the Commander of Golden Net. I have learned a lot about her and found in the past couple of weeks through conversations and reports that she now feels the need to follow what I feel is a higher calling. As every husband here understands and appreciates, she has decided to do something more important like bearing the Captain’s children, looking after Mattie, and making their home work. In doing so, she relieved us of the difficult decision she didn’t even know we were trying to make.” The crowd went wild again.
SECNAV then called Colonel Sarah Rabb forward and presented her a Meritorious Service Medal (her fourth) for her work with Golden Net, and transfer orders as the newest Legal Council for the Marine Corps Commandant at the Pentagon. He explained that the Commandant requested her by name and has arranged for a Limited Duty Reserve billet for her after the child is born.
SECNAV then took his time and explained the high regard he held for Captain Rabb. He then called him forward and asked him to repeat the oath and presented him with his new Rear Admiral’s Shoulder boards with one gold star on them. Sarah turned, hugged him, and waited on Mattie to make her way forward. She stood ever so carefully with Harm’s left arm about her waist, and tried to pin Harm’s left board on as Sarah pinned the right. Sarah came to her assistance and helped her attach Harm’s left board. Mattie gave him a hug and a kiss and all three stood together as Harm received his kiss from Sarah. SECNAV then read and handed Harm transfer orders to JAG HQ as the new Assistant Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Navy. The crowd went wild again.
After the applause slowed down, SECNAV ended his meeting by introducing Harm as the new Admiral to his command. Applause erupted again.
All three stewards came from the galley area pushing carts with non-alcoholic champagne for the salute to everyone. A huge crowd gathered around and congratulated everyone who had been promoted especially Admiral Rabb. As Mattie was getting tired, Geri rescued her by pushing her chair through the crowd to safety. As the last well wishers were leaving Sarah finally gave her man a big hug and kiss.
As they were standing together, Mr. Sheffield came up and told them that he had talked to Master Chief Manual and if Harm and Sarah wanted it, he would sign off on it. Harm finally asked what he was talking about. SECNAV realized it had not been Harm’s idea and explained.
(SECNAV) Master Chief Manual knows that your rank will now allow you 2 stewards and he asked that he and Hazel be the two. They want to go where you go.
(H) Yes sir. If that is possible we would like that to happen.
(SECNAV) Consider it done. When we get back to the house, I have a picture to show you.
(H) Thank you sir.
As Harm turned he noticed the tears welling up in the eyes of his favorite Marine. This was like a dream come true. They both became emotional together.
Command Home
14:00 Hrs
After getting back to the command home, Mr. Sheffield made good on his statement about the picture. It was of a large house with porch completely surrounding it about 5 blocks from Bud and Harriett’s home. It had been built 7 years ago for Admiral James at BUWEPs who was now retiring. It was the dream home for an Admiral. It had a master suite, 4 regular bedrooms, 2 quarters for Stewards and a bedroom/office for an aide. There was an elevator, as well as stairway, which would meet Mattie’s needs. The garage was large enough for 4 cars and the Limo. Edward said he knew it was a little pricy but had taken the liberty to call Frank and he had looked at it. Frank agreed that it would be great for them. Both Harm and Sarah agreed to call the seller later today. Harm thanked SECNAV for going out of his way.
SECNAV stated that Cmdr. Turner had finished the Lt. Vukovic court martial, which had resulted in the Lt.’s Dishonorable Discharge, and had since been offered this London command and had accepted. He had been promoted to Captain and would be arriving on Thursday December 7th with Varese. Sarah thought that real convenient since Varese had sublet her apartment. At least they would have a place to live if need be.
Harm quickly checked his and Sarah’s orders that stated they needed to report on or before Friday December 16. This was going to work out quite well. He would have some time with Sturgis before he had to go.
The Baby ! Sarah quickly made a call to Dr. Simms office and told them what had happened and told them they would need to be back in D.C. by December the 16th. She told them Harriett was going too and leaving on the 9th. The nurse said she would talk to the doctor and call back on Monday with an appointment date.
After everyone retired to get out of uniform, Harm called down and requested the Chief and Master Chief to meet them in the Senior Stewards office. The Master Chief opened the door as Harm approached pushing Mattie’s chair. After everyone took a seat, Harm thanked them for making the request but wanted them to know what they were getting into.
With only 2 stewards, they would be required to do more, not less. One good thing was they would not need to entertain and feed large groups of people like they had here. The Master Chief would now be expected to drive the Limo and do other duties that were normally done by a lower ranked individual and Harm didn’t want anyone unhappy. He spoke of their plans of children and that was sure to change everyone’s lives once it happened. He explained that it was going to be a lot of work and both Sarah and he would understand if they decided to stay in London.
After he made his case, it was time for the stewards to speak. Hazel asked to go first.
(Hazel) Admiral, it is true that I have only known you and your wife for five months and it might seem strange that I have made this request. I have served many different officers in my 27 years in the Navy but have only felt like part of a family for the past 5 months. I have not been able to have children, but if you would let me, I would like to help you with Mattie and help raise your children. I have a few more years to work and I would like to think my retirement might coincide with yours.
(S) If you want it, it’s a done deal.
(Hazel) I do ma’am.
(M) I think everything that the Chief said also applies to me. I would be pleased to adapt to different duties knowing, as I do, that you appreciate what we do. I want to go with you two.
(H)If that is your decision, I will give your request to the SECNAC yet this afternoon. We appreciate you going with us.
Everyone shook hands to seal the deal and Hazel gave Mattie and Sarah a hug. This was going to be so great.
Hazel told them she would prepare a 15:30 brunch so they would be able to get Mattie back to the hospital on time.
Everyone sat around the table talking about what Washington D.C. would be like this time of the year. It sounded like snow was expected soon and it should be so pretty. They had enjoyed being here but it would be nice to be back closer to family.
16:10 Hrs
After a nice brunch, Harm made a call to Grams to let her know they would be coming back home.
(making call)
Hello !
(H) Grams, this is Harm. Are you OK?
(G)Yes, it’s just a little early. Where are you?
(H) Still in London but that is why I am calling. We are coming back home and I wanted to know if we could spend Christmas with you?
(G)Yes, you know you can. Anytime.
(H) I have been promoted to Admiral and will be working in D.C. The other big news is this that my Sarah is pregnant. Harriett is also.
(G) Wow. This is such good news. You are going to give me a Great Grand-child. They let you be an Admiral?
(H) Yes. We might have more than one. What do you think about that?
(G) That would be great. Two will be better than one.
(H) I will call you after we get there and we can make plans. Is that OK? I love you.
(G) Call me. I love you too. Bye
Harm placed a call to Admiral James and found what he was asking for the house. He told him that he would Fed-Ex a small amount of earnest money if the Admiral would hold the house until they got there to look at it. Admiral James agreed and Sarah and Kate got on it right away to get it in before Fed-Ex shut down for the day.
All at once the light came on for Harm. The General had tried to make everything the way Harm wanted it. His wife would have the “Primo” Legal assignment, Bud would be his Chief of Staff, his stewards would be the same and guess who his new aide would be…Lt. Cmdr. Graves !!! The only missing person was Jennifer but Top was badly needed in London so that would be OK. Besides, she would be pregnant quickly he thought. Their life was changing right in front of them. Someone up there sure was looking out for them.
TBC.
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