Region Legal Service Office North-west (RLSO NW) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport, April 2.

The change of command ceremony and subsequent reception were held on board Old Man IV, the flag barge of commander, Navy Region Northwest as Capt. Martin Evans, Judge Advocate General’s Corp, United States Navy handed the reins to Cmdr. Shelby Hladon, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, United States Navy. 

Evans was a plank owner at RLSO NW and, following the unit’s establishment (formerly a detachment of Trial Service Office West), he served as its first commanding officer. Prior to his assignment at RLSO NW, he served at the U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Fla. where he specialized in operational and international law. 

“Why I joined the Navy is a long story,” Evans said, “The reason I stayed in the Navy is because of the people with whom I worked. It’s been a pleasure coming to work here everyday.”

Prior to relinquishing command, Evans was awarded the Legion of Merit. He is headed to Baghdad, Iraq to be the legal advisor for Task Force 134.

After graduating with distinction in June 2007 from the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. Hladon was assigned to RLSO NW and served as executive officer. She brings a solid leadership background and a wide variety of experience to her new position of command.  She recently served as the Staff Judge Advocate to Commander, Carrier Group ONE/Strike Force Training Pacific where she provided expert advice in operational law and the rules of engagement.  In her remarks during the change of command, Hladon noted that, “there is no duty which brings greater responsibility, denotes greater achievement nor greater honor than command at sea or ashore.”

She told her staff at RLSO NW that her goal is to continue to provide the high level of service to “our Nation, the Fleet, Navy Region Northwest and Region Legal Service Office Northwest.”

The mission of RLSO NW is to provide timely, competent, and high-quality command service advice and prosecution of courts-martial cases. 

RLSO NW provides legal advice for Commander Navy Region Northwest, Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett and over 70 tenant commands in the Region. RLSO NW is headquartered in Bremerton and has branch offices in Everett, Bangor and Whidbey Island.