Cmdr. Ruby Tennyson handed over her title as Officer in Charge (OIC) of Naval Station Everett’s David R. Ray Health Center to Lt. Cmdr. Douglas Stephens in a change of charge ceremony Aug. 27.

Tennyson assumed the clinic’s OIC position in April 2007. She will be reporting to Naval Hospital Jacksonville for her next duty station. During the ceremony, she was recognized as a loyal, dedicated and accomplished Naval officer.

“You have motivated Sailors and great leadership here,” said Naval Hospital Bremerton Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark Brouker. “Ruby did an amazing job.”

Tennyson took time to recognize everyone who worked for her at the Clinic, Sailors and civilians.

“Naval Branch Health Clinic, you are some of the best and the finest in navy medicine that I have worked with,” said Tennyson. “Always giving 100 percent, when that extra mile was called upon, you did it, and for that I thank you.”

“I am stepping into a wonderful command,” Said Stephens.  “In talking to the civilians and Sailors today before the ceremony, I know we are going to make a great team and I look forward to working with all of you.”

Incoming OIC, Stephens, joined the Navy as enlisted in 1984 and graduated Basic Hospital Corpsmen “A” School the following year.  Stephens was commissioned into the Medical Service Corps December 1996. His first assignment as a naval officer was at U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa, Japan.

Some of Stephens’ previous duty assignments include USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70); Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington D.C.; and Naval Health Clinic, Patuxent River, Md.

In 2001 he was nominated for the “Admiral Zumwalt Award for Visionary Leadership”; in 2002 the Americal Academy of Medical Administrators named him the “2002 Young Healthcare Executive”; and in 2005, he was named to the “2006-2007 National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals.”

At the end of the ceremony, many Sailors expressed how they would miss Tennyson, but were looking forward to Stephans’ taking charge.

“Cmdr. Tennyson has been a great leader as well as inspiration,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Amanda Raby. “Although her shoes will be hard to fill, I look forward to the new 0fficer in charge and where he will lead us in the future.”