I am writing this Flag*Gram to update you on my retirement plans as we prepare for the upcoming Change of Office with CAPT Steve Talson, whom, I am happy to note, the Senate has confirmed for promotion to Rear Admiral (Lower Half). We recently learned that I have been extended in office for a short period. As such, my retirement date has been pushed back to 1 December 2008.

We are still in the process of finalizing the details for a ceremony marking the change of office and my retirement. We will get the word out to everyone when we settle on a date and location. Please stand by for details. Given the holidays and the availability of dates at the Washington Navy Yard in December, it may be the case that this recognition of the transition will take place well after 1 December. We will let you know as soon as possible so that those of you who are interested can make plans to attend the event. Please stand by!

I anticipate that, per tradition, we will hold a dinner followed by a ceremony and reception the following day. Of course, every member of our uniformed legal community, in both the Reserve and Active Components, has a standing invitation to attend. I would be delighted and honored, as would Steve Talson, if everyone could come – and we hope that many do come, indeed.

In the meantime, on 1 December, CAPT Talson will be promoted to Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and relieve me at a small, private ceremony, the exact place and time of which we will also determine shortly. At that point, RDML Talson will formally assume office as Deputy Judge Advocate General for Reserve Affairs and Operations, Deputy Commander Naval Legal Service Command, and Director, Reserve Law Program.

I appreciate your patience and flexibility with respect to my retirement plans as we begin the push toward the end of the fiscal and calendar years. We still have a number of exciting initiatives to pursue during the final months of my tenure, and I will discuss them in separate Flag*Grams to come. Needless to say, I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving with you and want to thank you yet again for your outstanding service to our Component, our Corps, our Navy, and our great country. We appreciate and need your contributions as never before.

Norton Joerg