The following announcement on our 1MC just interrupted work on my next Hong Kong post:
"CAPT Scott Butler, United States Navy, Departing."
"BH" had just stopped by my stateroom to say farewell en route to his final trip across this Flagship's brow. In deference to OPSEC and personal privacy, I usually don't disclose full names on my blog, but this officer deserves recognition.
A bit of background for non-Navy readers: The "bonging" of officers aboard or ashore from a naval ship is a traditional rendering of honors dating in time to the early British Navy. Like many of our traditions, the practical reason for this little ceremony long ago ceased relevance. Nowadays we employ it simply to respect our senior leaders, and for other special recognitions. Three elements constitute the simple ceremony: 1) A number of bell rings corresponding to the rank of the honored officer (e.g., four bells for CAPT, eight bells for VADM); 2) The announcement of the honoree, usually by position instead of name. (E.g., "Seventh Fleet, Arriving.") 3) All stand at attention and salute as the boatswain's mate pipes the dignitary across the quarterdeck.
A typical naval vessel will bong aboard/ashore anyone of the rank of Captain or above. However, on a 3-Star Fleet Flagship, Captains are as plentiful as corn dogs. So it would be impractical to bong each of us as we go about our daily sojourns. But when a senior officer departs the ship for the last time en route to his next job, as BH did today, we do render these special honors to say, "Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate. Bravo Zulu, and thanks for your service."
A word about CAPT Scott Butler as he departs for command on the other side of the world. He just completed a stellar tour as Flag Operations Officer, arguably the toughest and most unforgiving job on the staff. Think of being the conduit and control point for all the naval activity in the world's most expansive area of operations. Think of being on call 24/7, ready to coordinate the movements of this massive naval force in response to any number of contingencies. Think of maintaining a standard of excellence that demands nothing less than perfection. Think of being the mentor, confidante, and advocate for a team of junior officers and enlisted sailors who must adroitly perform a myriad of tasks to get the job done right. Think of that officer also being a person and family man, periodically experiencing issues that accompany any life, irrespective of the demands of your job. Think of all that occurring in a daily double-time battle rhythm, because that's just the way it has to be here.
And then consider how lesser men or women might crumble under that pressure, or might resort to maladaptive ungentlemanly behaviour in shifting the load and the stress to their shipmates or minions. Think of how they might abandon family and friendship out of some ill-conceived notion that the job always comes first. And then consider that this one Scott Butler, this quintessential Naval Aviator and former winning "Price is Right" contestant, not only executed his job with extraordinary panache, but did so with infectious, self-effacing, morale-enhancing wit and humor; never once laid an undue burden or took out frustration on anyone else; and never forgot nor ignored the really important things in life. In ways we will not completely understand until his absence, Scott embued our staff with team spirit and a winning attitude. Such is the hallmark not only of a true leader, but also of an extraordinary human being.
Outstanding sailors like Scott Butler are the reason I remain an operational Navy doctor and flight surgeon. Their lives add meaning to mine. I am deeply honored to serve them..
BH: BZ, Shipmate! Fair winds and following seas....."Doc"
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