• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

TPU Puget Sound Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080906-26
Release Date: 9/6/2008 3:13:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Eric Harrison, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

KEYPORT, Wash. (NNS) -- Transient Personnel Unit Puget Sound (TPU) hosted a traditional, yet unique, change of command ceremony Sept. 5 at the Jack Murdock Auditorium.

Lt. Cmdr. Steven Milinkovich relieved Lt. Cmdr. Katherine Schneirla.

During the two years Schneirla was in command, TPU served 136 overseas and deployable commands by transitioning more than 6,500 Sailors from 87 diverse ratings back to the fleet or to civilian society.

Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest served as guest speaker and noted the large number of guests in attendance to celebrate the work of Schneirla at TPU, and her entire career.

"Passion is the word for [her] time in the Navy," said Symonds. "We are thankful for her tremendous service to her country."

Schneirla entered the Navy in 1982 as an electronics technician and advanced to senior chief petty officer before receiving her commission as an officer. The change of command ceremony doubled as a retirement ceremony.

Schneirla passed up the opportunity to deliver a traditional speech at the ceremony, instead opting to sing a song she co-wrote entitled "Don't Forget Who We're Fighting For."

"I close my eyes and remember – the reason that we fight," she sang, with Navy Band Northwest providing backing. "We're laying down our lives for what we think is right."

Schneirla sang two more songs before closing with a few words for the staff of TPU, whom she considers part of her family.

"It has been my honor and privilege to serve alongside you," she said. "The way you care about each other and every transient Sailor, it makes me so proud. TPU Puget Sound is the Pacific Northwest's human connection to our fleet."

Following the reading of orders and assuming command, Milinkovich addressed the TPU staff.

"I am truly honored to be the commanding officer of such a great command," he said. "I understand how difficult your job can be; you are the unsung heroes of the fleet. I am confident we will earn well deserved praise and enjoy great success going forward."

TPU's mission is to provide transient Sailors the most expeditious and professional transition possible for future excellence in the Navy and civilian society.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.