Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Sipe | Cmdr. Eric Hass, Chief Staff Officer of Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1, gives his...... read more read more
As the golden hues of the evening sun settled on the horizon, the ambiance in the ceremonial arena was filled with nostalgia and reverence. Eric W. Hass, a seasoned Navy Commander, having served 34 distinguished years in the Navy with the Seabees, stood across from a crowd of service members and civilians, in honor and respect of a journey that began from the humble beginnings of a 22-year-old kid that started in a civilian construction job.
Inspired by his father's 22 years of service in the military, Cmdr. Hass answered a call to a greater purpose and challenge than his civilian job could offer. This fervent aspiration propelled him to the rank of Navy Chief, to later be commissioned as a naval officer. Cmdr. Hass would go on to assume junior officer roles and eventually pin the rank of Commander to serve as Chief Staff Officer for Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1, echoing the true spirit of a "Mustang" – a term of endearment for those who rise from enlisted ranks to become officers.
Together, father and son represent 56 years of faithful service to their nation. Their story is not just about service; it's a tale of a rich family life, raising children and grandchildren in Texas, and the profound art of balancing demanding military duties with family time.
The Commander’s journey was punctuated with invaluable associations. Collaborations with bold, daring and influential people like Gabby Perez and Command Master Chief Nolan have been recurring chapters in his story. Not to forget the profound influences of mentors such as Cathy Donovan, Clayton Mitchell, and Dennis Edwards. Their unique leadership styles, dedication, and lasting legacies became pillars of inspiration for Cmdr. Hass throughout his tenure.
Reflecting on the evolution of the military since the 1980s, Cmdr. Hass provided a balanced view. While there have been considerable advancements, he voiced concerns about safekeeping the fighting spirit from our Seabee predecessors, and longing for the camaraderie of yesterday’s Navy when sailors lived in open bay barracks. Their close-knit existence fostered a profound understanding of each other's well-being.
But it wasn't just about challenges in the barracks or in the field. Cmdr. Hass' personal life also had its share of tests. While maintaining a demanding leadership position, he undertook the impossible task of completing his master's program from 2015 to 2017. A testament to his invincible spirit was his fight against cancer, navigating through chemotherapy while serving with unbreakable commitment.
When asked about his biggest accomplishment in the Navy, without hesitation he answered “marrying my wife Kathryn” his brightest light in rough seas and darkest nights. As the conversation moved toward the future, Cmdr. Hass spoke with enthusiasm about his post-retirement plans. His love for construction will eventually bring him back to San Antonio Texas, where he is set to work on a few personal projects with friends and family. While his ties with the Navy will always remain alive, he finds enjoyment in the idea of being close to family in Corpus Christi, a place he fondly calls home.
On June 23rd, as the retirement ceremony for Cmdr. Eric W. Hass drew to a close, there was a palpable sentiment of admiration in the air. The Commander’s parting words were a loud call to the younger Seabee generation, urging them to embody hard work, take ownership, and avoid the pitfalls of entitlement.
Soon, this captivating narrative will be transformed into a written chronicle, a testament to a life of unparalleled dedication, resilience, and service to the nation. As Cmdr. Eric W. Hass embarks on a new chapter, his legacy with the Seabees will forever remain etched in the immortal records of United States Naval history.
NCG 1 prepares Pacific Fleet Naval Construction Force units to conduct expeditionary and deliberate construction in support of Combatant Commanders and warfighter requirements. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Sipe)
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2023 16:17 |
| Story ID: | 451064 |
| Location: | OXNARD, CA, US |
| Hometown: | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, US |
| Hometown: | LUBBOCK, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Mustang’s Legacy: A Remarkable Journey of Service, by Oscar Garcia, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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