FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Unit guidons spanning from Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington to Camp Humphreys, South Korea represented all of (United States Army Pacific) as Gen. Charles A. Flynn relinquished command to Gen. Ronald P. Clark at Historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Nov. 8, 2024.
Clark comes to Fort Shafter after serving as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for the last two years. He succeeds Flynn, who later in the ceremony confirmed his retirement after 39 years of service to the United States Army and nation.
Clark’s presence in the Pacific doesn’t stand green. He served as the United States Army Pacific Chief of Staff, Fort Shafter, from 2017-2018; the 25th Infantry Division Commanding General, Schofield Barracks, from 2018-2019; and the United States Indo-Pacific Command Chief of Staff, Camp H. M. Smith from 2019-2021.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, presided over the ceremony and reflected on the significance of this command.
“I and the nation owe a tremendous gratitude to Charlie for 39 years of selfless service to the nation, and I owe you Charlie a debt of gratitude for so many years of friendship, and we'll have so many years in the future of friendship. We are indeed kindred spirits, your energy and drive will be missed, but not by me, because you and I are going to continue on.”
Paparo then after, expressed confidence that Clark will lead the U.S.Army Pacific’s region,
“Ron after your trials in Washington, DC, welcome back to the operational world as you're so well aware, with so much experience here in the Indo Pacific, your background is tailor made for this duty.”
Clark expressed, “It is the most important day of my 36 plus years of service today to be here on this field with you, and it is the privilege of my professional life to serve in USARPAC headquarters as the commander. I want to continue to build upon Charlie and Kathleen's strong relationships with the relationships that we've enjoyed. We are fortunate to have you as extraordinary partners. USARPAC remains committed to strengthening our partnerships as we build our collective readiness and relationships built on a bedrock of mutual respect and trust.”
Following the change of command, service members and friends honored Flynn as he transitioned from commander to Soldier for Life during his retirement ceremony.
“I want to thank my Ohana here from Hawaii. The 12 years that Kathleen and our family have been out here just been amazing.”
Flynn’s Family ties run deep within Hawaii, with an uncle and mother who grew up on the island. Additionally, he served as the 25th Inf. Div. Commanding General, Schofield Barracks from 2014-2016; and as U.S Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General from 2016-2018.
Flynn reflected on his years of service and expressed the gratitude of wearing the cloth of our Nation.
The badge of rank is a symbol of servitude, servitude to soldiers and to me, getting another badge and being promoted had just a larger amount of responsibility”, that quote, really, in my view, talks about the responsibility that we have. After being a self-proclaimed reluctant cadet and doubting whether, in my early years, this was ever really for me, here I stand before you 39 years later, when that reluctant Cadet became the 233rd four-star general in the entire history of the United States Army. I'm stunned to be here. Thank you so much”
The retirement ceremony was closed out by Gen. (ret.) David A. Bramlett, former commander, U.S Army Forces Command, and senior mentor to Flynn.
“Now Charlie, it's time to start the next 27 years, “said Bramlett. “You made our army, our nation, very much stronger than what you inherited through your leadership, your extraordinary achievements, your contributions and competence at every level. All I can say is your impact has been profound, and your legacy is secure.”