MILTON — Naval Air Station Whiting Field has a new commander following the Dec. 18 change of command ceremony. Capt. Todd Bahlau turned over command to Capt. Paul D. Bowdich before friends, family, community leaders and officers at the base.
"Our number one job is to ensure the fleet, fighter and family are ready and here at mighty Whiting — we did exactly that," Bahlau said in remarks.
He thanked the 500 staffers under him and the department supervisor heads by name as well as the Santa Rosa County community but he was most emotional when thanking his wife, Rebecca.
"You are amazing," he said. "I know these three years took a lot of my time and attention. And when we had the opportunity to go on leave or spend quality time together I seemed to be working. You’ve been very understanding and I hope you know that I’m on this stage today because of you, your love and support."
He also spoke to his children.
"I hope you all know the greatest honor, my proudest moments can be summed up in one word and that is dad," Bahlau said. "There is absolutely no greater joy to me than being your father. I love you."
Bowdich is not new to NAS Whiting Field. He studied advanced rotary wing training with HT-18 from 1996 to 1997. He returned in 2010, reporting to Training Air Wing FIVE for duties as the Helicopter Training Squadron Eight executive officer and served as the commanding officer from December 2011 to April 2013.
"Although Whiting Field is a small base, its impact is great," Bowdich said. "The busiest Naval Air Station in the world…we have outlying fields in five counties and two states…to train the world’s finest naval aviators. I’m honored and humbled to be here today as the CO of the finest base in the Navy."
Milton Mayor Wesley Meiss and Santa Rosa County Commissioner Bob Cole attended the ceremony.
"His illustrious history exemplifies what it means to be a commander," Meiss said. "He’s a great leader for (Capt. Bowdich) to look up to."
When serving in the Navy, Cole was stationed at Whiting Field from 1970-1974.
"I wish (Capt. Bahlau) the best of luck and anchors aweigh," he said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Outgoing NAS Whiting Field commander reflects on service