Change of Command Tradition

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Change of Command Tradition

The Change of Command Ceremony is not prescribed specifically by U.S. Navy Regulations, but rather is an honored product of the rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a custom wholly Naval, without an equivalent counterpart in the Army or Air Force. Custom has established that this ceremony be formal and impressive--designed to strengthen that respect for authority which is vital to any military organization. Parading all hands at Quarters and public reading of official orders stem from those days when movement of mail and persons was a slow process. This procedure was designated to ensure only duly authorized officers held command and that all aboard were aware of its authenticity.

The heart of the ceremony is the formal reading of official orders by the relieving officer and the officer to be relieved. Command passes upon utterance by the relieving officer, "I relieve you, Sir (or Ma'am)." The officer being relieved responds, "I stand relieved." This simple procedure is duplicated hundreds of times daily throughout the Navies of the world as each watch officer passes responsibility to his or her relief in the conduct of each ship's routine.

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