Military

CO Says Goodbye to Helo Squadron

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070816-19
Release Date: 8/16/2007 1:54:00 PM

By Jesse Leon Guerrero, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- The commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 bid farewell to his Sailors during quarters Aug. 9.

Less than a week after Cmdr. Chris Brunett was relieved in Kuwait as commanding officer of HSC-25, he returned to Guam to say his final goodbyes.

Brunett spoke with the men and women of the command and local and military dignitaries at the squadron’s hangar on Andersen Air Force Base.

Speaking to the Sailors about the responsibilities they have as the Navy’s only forward-deployed replenishment squadron, Brunett saluted the group he led since May 2006 and thanked them for their hard work.

“It was my honor and pleasure to be your commanding officer,” Brunett said. “You are the best.”

Brunett emphasized it was important for him to return to the squadron and let the Sailors know how much he will miss them. He said it was also an opportunity to discuss the increased deployments and other challenges HSC-25 expects to face next year. Brunett said both Sailors and their families are likely to experience stress during that period, but he reminded them that other service members are experiencing it as well and all of their sacrifices are important to the global war on terrorism.

“As hard as it’s going to be, we’re doing the right thing,” said Brunett. “And we’re doing our part, which allows other people to do their part too.”

Brunett described the command’s new commanding officer, Cmdr. John Menoni, who is currently deployed to Kuwait, as a great friend and he expressed his confidence in Menoni’s ability to lead HSC-25.

“He will probably be the best commanding officer this command has ever seen,” said Brunett.

He offered Menoni, who was Brunett’s executive officer prior to the change of command, some friendly advice.

“How you touch the Sailors each and everyday — that’s what’s truly important,” said Brunett. “That’s what you will take with you and that’s what they will take with them as they continue on in their Navy careers.”

Brunett’s next assignment is at Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation in Norfolk.