Ceremony marks change at Fort Hamilton

With the sun shining brightly on the bluff, and a fireboat streaming a watery salute in the background, Fort Hamilton’s Command Sergeant Major Sylvia Laughlin retired from the U.S. Army and transferred the visible symbols of her position to her successor, the fort’s new Command Sergeant Major Hector Prince.

The large crowd loudly applauded Laughlin as they watched the carefully orchestrated ceremony, “a military tradition,” said Master of Ceremonies Juan Caez, directorate of plans, training, mobilization & security, that included both a gift to Laughlin’s family in thanks for their sacrifice as well as a presentation of yellow roses to Prince’s family, “symbolizing a new beginning.”

“The heart of the ceremony is when the colors are passed,” explained Caez. At that point, Laughlin handed the colors to Colonel Michael Gould, the fort’s commander, who then transferred them to Prince.

Laughlin had been at the fort for four years, noted Gould, who stressed, “In that time, her name has become synonymous with Fort Hamilton. She has truly led the fort. She has a genuine ability to connect with people and make them feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. She made Fort Hamilton a better place and has truly been the face of the Army in New York City.”

Laughlin expressed her appreciation for the time she served at Fort Hamilton, calling New York, “The most patriotic place I have ever served. I couldn’t have served here if it weren’t for the people who made my service here so great.

“I have loved my service because I love this nation, and love the people in this nation,” she added. “I am blessed beyond measure. Today is not an end, it’s a beginning.”

As for Prince, who joined the Army 28 years earlier at Fort Hamilton, in a brief speech he described himself as “a soldier’s soldier. Since I was five years old, I wanted to be a soldier,” he added, noting that his three brothers and two oldest daughters have “also worn the uniform. I am proud to say we are a soldier family.”

“He’s the greatest thing that’s getting ready to happen to Fort Hamilton,” Laughlin told the crowd.