By Christianne M. Witten, Chief of Navy Chaplains Public
Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben relieved
Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd as the chief of Navy chaplains during a change of office
and retirement ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard, August 1.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert was the
retiring officer for the ceremony, and during his remarks, he acknowledged the
Tidd family's more than 100 years combined of distinguished naval service.
"The community has thrived under his leadership,"
Greenert remarked, referring to Tidd's tenure as chief of Navy chaplains.
He went on to highlight his enduring contributions to the
Navy and Nation and commended his decisive leadership during crisis response
efforts after the Navy Yard shooting. He brought humanity and served as an
expert advisor to the leadership who sought to console and comfort those
affected by the tragedy, Greenert said.
After being awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal
for his tenure as chief of chaplains, Tidd addressed those in attendance.
"Part of the genius of the American experiment is that
we're committed to the right of each person to determine his or her deepest
convictions, including one's religious convictions," Tidd said.
"Chaplains are deeply committed to protecting religious freedom, day in
and day out, in times of calm and times of crisis," he added.
Tidd described the privilege of answering the call to serve
and the sacred mission of serving those who serve the Nation - to share in
their lives deeply. He also reflected on the camaraderie he and his wife will
miss having been part of the Navy and Marine Corps family for the past 31
years. He thanked his wife and children for their support, love, and
encouragement throughout their naval adventure as a family.
Kibben was promoted in a private ceremony in the Navy Yard
chapel by Greenert prior to the change of office. Both her promotion and
assumption of duties marked a historic event for the Navy and its Chaplain
Corps as Kibben became the first female chief of Navy chaplains and the first
female Navy chaplain to hold the rank of rear admiral upper half.
As Kibben takes over the helm of the Navy Chaplain Corps,
she committed to all senior Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard leadership
present to stay engaged with them, to advise them on the spiritual welfare of
their people, and to care for them, personally, as their chaplain.
Kibben also pledged to make sure her chaplains and religious
program specialists are "where it matters, when it matters, with what
matters" to take care of their Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and
families so that they "grow spiritually, are certain of their moral and
ethical foundations, and are free and able to exercise and enjoy a community of
faith."
She also thanked Tidd for "his unwavering dedication to
our people and to the Navy," and his ability "to bring [the Chaplain
Corps'] capabilities into the institutional dialogue, and to bring the Chaplain
Corps to a higher level of professionalism." She went on to add, "I
stand on ground enriched by your legacy and that of those who preceded you and
pray that the stand I take will remain in God's gracious plan for our Chaplain
Corps and our country."
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