FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (NNS) – Following a Navy career that began 30 years ago, Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Networks) Daniel Oldham requested permission to go ashore for the last time at a retirement ceremony held May 3 at the Fort Meade Chapel.
Oldham, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduated from LaSalle High School in 1984 and enlisted in the Navy in 1988. He was selected for Chief in July 2001 and in 2004 he was one of only 240 Sailors initially selected to stand up the Cryptologic Technician (Networks) rating.
Vice Adm. Mike Gilday, commander U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F), spoke to the audience of Oldham’s shipmates, family and friends about the impact the master chief had on the Navy and the legacy he was leaving behind.
“Master Chief Oldham, you have graced all of us with your wisdom, humor and presence. You have earned the respect and admiration of every Sailor that ever wore this uniform,” said Gilday. “You have cast a long and lasting shadow in our Navy to which we are eternally grateful. But, you can rest assured that those who follow in your wake will never forget the lessons you taught.”
Navy retirement ceremonies are time-honored traditions that feature military gestures of respect and gratitude for the departing Sailor.
After his remarks, Gilday awarded Oldham the Meritorious Service Medal for his accomplishments during his last tour of duty as N5 Directorate leading chief petty officer where he worked across the staff to plan cryptologic and cyber operations and build future operational capabilities.
During his career, Oldham served aboard a diverse set of commands, ships, and units all over the world. His sea duty tours included USS Long Beach (CGN 9), USS Biddle (CG 34), and USS South Carolina (CGN 39).
“I have absolutely loved my time in the Navy,” said Oldham. “I found my wife while in the Navy, raised my family and became part of something so much bigger than myself. I’m fortunate to have so many of my shipmates that I served with throughout my career here with me today.”
Oldham is married to the former Sarah Clarice Stephens of Bainbridge Island, Wash. and has three children: Connor, Rachel and Christian. He is the son of Rick and Peggy Oldham. Rick, a retired Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman, passed away in 2004. Peggy is still living in Cedar Rapids and was able to make the trip to Maryland with other members of the family to attend the ceremony.
“I’ve spent 16 years plus wearing anchors like my father before me. There’s a feeling that always kept me focused on the task and getting the mission done,” said Oldham. “I’ve trained my relief just like my father did. I always knew this day would come, and I’m ready.”
Since its establishment, FCC/C10F has grown into an operational force composed of more than 16,000 Active and Reserve Sailors and civilians organized into 27 active commands, 40 Cyber Mission Force units, and 29 reserve commands around the globe. FCC serves as the Navy component command to U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Cyber Command, and the Navy's Service Cryptologic Component commander under the National Security Agency/Central Security Service. C10F, the operational arm of FCC, executes its mission through a task force structure similar to other warfare commanders. In this role, C10F provides support of Navy and joint missions in cyber/networks, cryptologic/signals intelligence and space.
For more news and information from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCC/C10F/ or follow us on Twitter @USFLEETCYBERCOM.