Region Legal Service Office Northwest (RLSO NW) held the JAG Corps’ first virtual change of command ceremony at the Bremerton Courtroom aboard Naval Base Kitsap, WA, on 19 June. Capt. Warren Record relieved Capt. Chuck LeMoyne as Commanding Officer of RLSO NW.
COVID-19 restrictions limited in person attendance to ceremony staff and key personnel. RLSO NW command members, family, and friends were invited to witness the ceremony via livestream.
“This is not normal,” said LeMoyne. “The pandemic that threatens our health has changed the way we do most things, including these ceremonies.”
Rear Adm. Les E. Reardanz, Deputy Judge Advocate General for Reserve Affairs and Operations Deputy Commander of Naval Legal Service Command, presided over the ceremony and congratulated LeMoyne for his achievements as commanding officer of RLSO NW.
“Chuck led, not just managed…” said Rear Adm. Reardanz. “As a result… [RLSO NW] is the gold standard.”
During the ceremony, LeMoyne thanked his Sailors for a rewarding tour and recognized the support his family has provided throughout the years. LeMoyne also took a moment to reflect on the historic significance of Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.
“My last request . . . is to listen to those who have perspectives different than our own,” said LeMoyne.
LeMoyne’s next assignment will be as Force Judge Advocate, Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific in Coronado, California.
Record just completed his tour in the Southeast, where he served as the Circuit Military Judge for the Southern Judicial Circuit of the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary. Record expressed he was humbled to be selected for the leadership position.
"I pledge that I will fulfill the obligations imposed upon me,” said Record. Addressing LeMoyne, Record stated, “What you have done with this team is absolutely amazing… You’re leaving me with a high performing organization. The organization is tough. The organization is resilient. The organization is ready.”
Record, a native of Clinton, Louisiana, graduated from Rhodes College in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Sociology. Record was commissioned in 1996, and he earned his Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law later that year. In 2006, Record received a Master’s Degree from the Naval War College. He is admitted to the Mississippi bar.
RLSO NW provides all prosecution, command services, and court-reporting support to Navy and Marine Corps commands located within its assigned geographic area (currently encompassing the six western states of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming).