It was a day of endings and new beginnings Friday for Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 Detachment Fleet Support Unit at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
A dual ceremony was held Friday morning in Hangar 6, commemorating the Change of Charge from Cmdr. Stephen Ruscheinski to Cmdr. Matthew Kennedy and marking Ruscheinski’s retirement from the Navy.
Capt. Peter Garvin, commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, was the guest speaker for the event. Garvin said it was difficult to describe in an unclassified setting all that the men and women of FSU-10 do to defend freedom.
“They are the quiet, often unseen warriors that keep us one step ahead of our adversaries,” Garvin said.
Garvin had high praise for Ruscheinski, telling guests and family members Ruscheinski leaves behind a legacy of service of which his family can be proud.
“He did none of this for glory, but because it was an honor, because it was ‘the right thing to do,’” said Garvin. “I have always believed the measure of success as a unit is a direct reflection of its leader. The men and women of FSU-10 are exceptionally well-trained.”
Both Garvin and Ruscheinski mentioned the strides FSU-10 has made in integrating the Littoral Surveillance Radar System within the 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet. The LSRS operates from P-3C Orions and can be used to track targets on land or at sea.
“It has not been easy,” Ruscheinski said. “If you notice, there are no FSU personnel standing at the back of the hangar today, because most are deployed.”
New officer-in-charge Kennedy credited Ruscheinski for paving the way to a busy future for the detachment of 25 active duty personnel and six civilian staff members.
“Because of the hard work and countless hours you put in, we are becoming more popular,” said Kennedy. “I think we’re going to be very busy for the next couple of years.”
After the orders had been read and the change of charge was complete, it was time for Ruscheinski’s 20 years in the Navy to come to an end.
In an emotion-filled voice, he thanked his parents, Adolph and Susan, for giving him the drive to succeed.
“For the past 20 years, I’ve tried to exceed my father’s standard instead of the Navy’s, which is high,” said Ruscheinski. “As a new father in my 40s, I now understand that I didn’t raise myself like I thought I did at 14.”
Ruscheinski also thanked his fellow officers and members of FSU-10, and offered words of encouragement to his successor.
“It has been an honor to serve with each and every one of you,” he said. “I know full well you will take care of the program and take care of the people. I give you my best wishes for success and hope you enjoy every moment.”
In a career that spanned 20 years, Ruscheinski said he had many favorite moments and memories, but said there wasn’t time to recount them all.
Following the presentation of retirement certificates, personnel performed the traditional “Old Glory” flag presentation, passing the folded flag ceremoniously from one to another, until it was finally presented to Cmdr. Ruscheinski.
Requesting permission, Ruscheinski was piped ashore for the last time, symbolizing the end of his naval career.
“Every step is a new step in an uncharted direction,” Ruscheinski said before the ceremony ended. “The decision to retire is never easy, but I am at complete peace. By the grace of God I now go ashore with those I love the most.”
