Rear Adm. John A. Schommer relieved Rear Adm. Thomas W. Luscher as Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC) during a change-of-command and retirement ceremony at the Joint Forces Staff College Sept. 27.

Vice Admiral Luke M. McCollum, chief of Navy Reserve, the guest speaker, spoke highly of Luscher's selfless service and the sacrifice of his family.

"You have served as a mentor and inspiration to not only the next generation of Navy leaders, but all who have been fortunate enough to have served with you," McCollum said. "We don't take this journey alone, and I'm sure they understand what I mean when I say that the family truly has the toughest job in the Navy."

McCollum also welcomed Schommer to the command and thanked the staff of CNRFC for their dedication.

Luscher addressed the CNRFC staff about the impact they contributed to the force under his leadership. "I am very impressed with how you all have executed the Ready to Win campaign to simplify, enable, leverage and resource the service and skills of the Reserve Sailors and made great strides in improving their quality of life and service. You all have been a fantastic team."

Schommer takes his new post following his tour as Deputy Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet.

After relieving Luscher, Schommer spoke about his predecessor and about the command left under his leadership. "I'd like to personally thank Admiral Luscher for the wonderful turnover he's given as both a mentor and a friend," Schommer said. "You're a great patriot and a true warrior, and you've built a fantastic team that I'm looking forward to leading and being a part of."

The change of command doubled as Luscher's retirement after 33 years of service to the Navy. "It's been an honor to serve 33 years with the greatest Sailors in the world and I would do it again in a heartbeat," Luscher said. "I wish everyone the best of luck and I will be watching from the sidelines and cheering you on."

Following his retirement, Luscher said he will continue to serve his community and country. He has decided to be a coach and mentor for non-profit organizations, while also spending more time with his family.

Luscher also had some lasting advice for Reserve Sailors. "As we enter this new era of great power competition, concentrate on being mobilization ready at all times. If we get into a great power conflict it's going to happen quickly and it's an all-in fight, our country is going to need all of us."

CNRFC is the Navy Reserve headquarters responsible for readiness, oversight, manpower management, logistics, financial management, mobilization and training of nearly 60,000 Sailors in executing operational support and war fighting missions. For more information, click here. For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, click here.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.navy.mil/.