US Naval Hospital Guam has a new leader after a change in command ceremony on Nimitz Hill this morning.
In a virtual socially-distanced ceremony, Captain Maria Young turned over her commanding officer post after two years at the helm.
From one female leader to another, Young passed the torch to Captain Thecly H. Scott who will assume command duties immediately.
It was a particularly emotional ceremony as it also served as Captain Young’s retirement, not just from the hospital, but from the Navy after 31 years of service.
In her retirement remarks, Young talked about the especially busy two years she’s had on island.
“It started immediately the week after my change of command, we had tropical storm Maria. I think that was the omen to set the rest of my time here, as it has been a whirlwind,” Young said.
She added: “Then we had an outbreak of dengue. We rolled into the biggest lift of our lives, COVID-19 and the USS Teddy Roosevelt pulling in with 4,745 sailors. And this team pulled together and developed innovative, out of the box plans.”
Captain Young also gave a moving tribute to her children and husband of 28 years as they move into the next chapter of their lives together.
Captain Scott, the new commanding officer, served on Guam 21 years ago and says she’s excited to get back to the island and the job.
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