Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Julie Tibus' retirement and award presentation took place at U.S. Naval Hospital Rota, April 29.

With more than 150 colleagues, coworkers and friends in attendance, Tibus sincerely thanked all those who helped make her career successful after receiving her seventh Navy Commendation Medal.

"I joined the Navy when I was 19 and I spent over half of my life in this organization," said Tibus. "I want to thank my family and my husband for their unconditional love and support for the last 25 years. I'm so grateful to the Navy for all of the opportunities and experiences it's given me."

Tibus, whose hometown is Edgewater, New Jersey, enlisted in the Navy July 1991 and served more than eight years overseas.

Tibus was advanced to senior chief petty officer May 2011 while stationed at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida. She transferred to USNHR and served in several leadership roles to include interim command master chief and the senior enlisted leader for the administration, surgical services and medical services directorates.

One of her fondest memories while on active duty is meeting her husband, retired Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Tony Guyette, she said. Tibus and Guyette married in 2006 after meeting in Sigonella, Sicily.

Tibus plans to remain in Spain after her retirement to stay with her husband, who works as the physical security officer aboard Naval Station Rota.

"Senior chief has faithfully served this organization for 25 years," said Capt. LaVencion Starks, USNH Rota commanding officer. "This has been a journey and where she is today is not where she began ... You serve as an example of what can be achieved."

Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter, and family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit http://www.navy.mil/.