Last June 2015, in a heartwarming gesture, he gave me a Navy cap at the Hotel Tavern lobby, and I quietly prayed he would become the next Flag In Officer in Command. As his former staffer at the Navy Modernization Office, he led with subtle demeanor like the trait of a submariner. I was witness to his simplicity, humility and sharp intelligence particularly in modernizing the fleet. So here I am inspired too, and doing my small part by creating fiberglass boats to upgrade our wooden boats and helping protect our coasts. Aye aye, full speed ahead, sir!