After two years heading the Naval War College in Newport, Rear Admiral P. Gardner Howe III is heading to the CIA. He hands the reins to Rear Admiral Jeffery Harley. Naval college spokeswoman Barbara Mertz said the elaborate ceremony is steeped in tradition dating back hundreds of years in Naval history.

“You have an arrival of official party, then you do honors, parading of colors, national anthem,” said Mertz. Then they’ll read their orders, saying ‘I relieve you as commander,’ ‘I take responsibility,’ ‘I stand relieved that type of thing.’

Incoming Admiral Harley received his master’s degree at the Naval War College. He’s also worked with the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.  Harley will be the college’s 56th president. 

Reporter John Bender was the general assignment reporter for The Public's Radio for several years. He is now a fill-in host when our regular hosts are out.