News Release

OPM Director Salutes USS Theodore Roosevelt Commander Richard O'Hanlon at Change of Command Ceremony

Washington, D.C. -- As a consequence of world events, the Commander of the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management have become fast and lifelong friends.

Yesterday, during a Change of Command Ceremony for the ship's captain skipper in Norfolk, Virginia, they exchanged mutual appreciation for each other's efforts in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"America is so proud of Captain Richard O'Hanlon and the young men and women of his crew for the job they did in the name of freedom," said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "And I am honored to have been a part of the ceremony and to be able to give Captain O'Hanlon a giant, collective salute from all employees of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. We were with him in thought and prayer throughout the ship's deployment, and it has been our privilege to serve both Captain O'Hanlon, his crew and their families."

On the incoming USS Theodore Roosevelt Commander, James said she "welcomes Captain and Mrs. Green to the OPM family" and "is proud to say that our team will continue to honor the officers and crew under their command."

The headquarters of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is located in Washington at the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building. Sharing a common name in their places of work inspired OPM's management team and rank-and-file employees to adopt the ship's crew just after 9-11, as well as their families who were left behind.

During the ceremony, Captain O'Hanlon acknowledged the outpouring of support he and his crew received from "patriots and well-wishers" and "the great people who work in the Office of Personnel Management."

To show appreciation, last month Captain O'Hanlon presented to OPM an American flag that flew over the bridge of the USS Theodore Roosevelt on April 9, 2003, the day Baghdad fell.

OPM's adoption of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the first ever of any government agency, included regular shipments to the crew of non-perishable foods, compact discs, cards and letters, and various comforts of home. During Christmas and other holidays, Director James, senior OPM officials and agency employees traveled to Norfolk, home base of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, to present toys and other gifts to the children and spouses of the crew.

- end -

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

Other Current News | What's New on Our Site | Speeches | Events