Pendleton's Top Dental Officer Retires

By Cpl. Khoa Pelczar, 1st Marine Logistics Group

Sailors with the 1st Marine Logistics Group's 1st Dental Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony here last month to bid farewell to their former commanding officer and welcome their new commander.

This ceremony also closed the final chapter of Navy Capt. John W. Kirby’s military career as he retired from the U.S. Navy.

Kirby relinquished command of 1st Dental Battalion to Navy Capt. William N. Norman.

Brig. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow, commanding general, 1st MLG, wrote a letter addressing both the incoming and outgoing commanding officers.

“Niel [Norman], as you take command, know that you will be inheriting a proven battalion, one capable of accomplishing all that is required both in garrison and forward deployed,” said Broadmeadow. “Karen and I welcome you as a member of the largest and best Marine expeditionary force in the Marine Corps.”

Broadmeadow stated that he knew Norman was the perfect man for the job. With his background as Director of Dental Services for Marine Corps Recruiting Depot Parris Island, S.C., Norman said he is no stranger to leading and executing orders to accomplish the mission.

“The 1st Dental Battalion here on Camp Pendleton has a great reputation for clinical excellence, staff development, customer service and high operational readiness,” said Norman. “It is my intent to continue the legacy that Captain Kirby and the command have established. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

As Norman assumed duty as 1st Dental Battalion’s commanding officer, the retirement ceremony for Kirby kicked off. In his letter, Broadmeadow said to Kirby.

“Jack [Kirby], as you relinquish command of 1st Dental Battalion/Naval Dental Center, rest assured that your numerous accomplishments will become the building blocks for the continued success of this battalion,” Broadmeadow said.

“You have every right to feel proud. Through the last three years, your officers, sailors and civilians met every challenge and every task despite a high operational tempo … As you enter this new phase in your life, I am thankful for your friendship and camaraderie. You have both influenced those around you and set example for others to follow. I bid you fair winds and following seas.”

Kirby took the floor one last time to address his sailors and guests.

“Life is a journey and this has been a great portion of my life,” said Kirby. “It’s been a great ride. As you go along, you pick up family members. The Navy has been a member of my family since 1983. As for my dental battalion family, you mean a lot to me. Some of you are going forward, some just got back and some currently deployed. It doesn’t matter where you are, you do a great job and I am very proud of you. Because of your hard work and dedication that I can stand here and say proudly that I am the commanding officer of 1st Dental Battalion. I salute you and thank you.”

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