Service members, civilians and family gathered in the base theater to witness Lt. Cmdr. Michael South, officer-in-charge of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS) Atlantic, Detachment Rota, celebrate 25 years of active-duty service during a ceremony, July 14.

Lt. Cmdr Michael Laraya relieved South and assumed duties as NCTAMS Atlantic, Detachment Rota officer-in-charge.

Capt. Matthew Lear, commanding officer of NCTAMS Atlantic, Norfolk, spoke as the guest speaker on behalf of South's many years of service.

"Michael, I'm sorry to see you go," said Lear. "For 25 years, you and your family have served our country. We're losing a great naval officer and I'm losing a great friend from the United States Navy, and I hope we can keep in touch wherever you may go. No matter what he does, Michael is going to be one of those people that succeeds."

Several groups, including the Chiefs Mess and First Class Petty Officer Association, presented parting gifts to South.

South then thanked his command for the kind words and gifts before reading his orders. He shared his journey through his naval career and ended with a reminder to his command on their third guiding principle.

"For my Sailors, civilians and Spanish nationals, don't wait for the Navy to make you a professional," said South. "Be proud of your profession, learn on your own, practice and become an expert. Read, learn, collaborate, innovate and share. Be the bull."

The retirement portion of the ceremony came to a close with Lt. Cmdr Michael Laraya, incoming officer-in-charge, relieving South and speaking of his excitement about joining the unit.

"To the local nationals, thank you for being so helpful for our time out here," said Laraya. "Thank you so much to everybody. I look forward to serving with you and for you."

South exited the theater with his family as the sideboys saluted the retired officer for the final time.

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