By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alec R. Kramer
BETHESDA, Md. — Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Thomas E. "Tommy" Riggs retired from the United States Navy during a traditional Navy Retirement ceremony, marking the culmination of a distinguished 27-year career that spanned from battlefield frontlines to clinical spaces at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, August 20, 2026.
The ceremony brought together shipmates, friends, and family to honor Riggs' legacy of combat heroism and compassionate leadership. Under the direction of Master of Ceremonies Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Rohan King, attendees reflected on how Riggs spent nearly three decades saving lives under fire and mentoring the Navy's future leaders, cementing his identity as a legendary caregiver and mentor.
Guest speakers took the podium to honor Riggs’ legacy, painting a picture of a Corpsman who always put humanity first. Capt. Toni McCrae (Retired), the presiding officer, opened the ceremony by comparing Riggs' long career to an endurance race, a direct nod to Riggs' passion for competing in grueling ultra-marathons.
"An ultra-marathon isn't about comfort; it's about finishing despite enormous pain... At that moment, you don't need to see the entire road, you just need enough strength for one more step," McCrae said. He praised Riggs for never losing sight of the individual Sailor amid the demands of the military, adding, "Beneath the policies, reports, meetings and directives are real human beings... Sometimes people weren’t asking us to fix everything; they simply needed to know: 'Did you hear me? Do I matter? Is somebody willing to speak up for me?'"
Riggs' fellow Senior Chief Petty Officers best summarized the impact of his dedication. Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Christopher Pierson (Retired) highlighted the grave reality of Riggs' service in combat zones.
"There are many men walking the earth today, and many families whole today, because HMCS Tommy Riggs was their Corpsman on the battlefield," Pierson noted. "If you are fortunate enough to have a shipmate and friend like Tommy in your life, you are truly blessed."
Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Christopher Johnson (Retired) offered a glimpse into the future, warning his friend with a smile about the transition ahead. "For 27 years, your life was structured: uniforms, missions, orders and schedules," Johnson said. "When you retire, you experience something called 'chaotic freedom.'" Taking the podium for his final remarks in uniform, Riggs reflected on the trials of his career.
"The adversity and challenges I faced... didn't define the entire 27 years, but overcoming them made me a better human being," Riggs said. "I wouldn't change a single minute."
He left a lasting piece of advice for the Chiefs Mess and junior leaders in attendance: "Remember that beneath this uniform, it’s all about the people. If you take care of your Sailors, your Sailors will take care of the mission." The ceremony also highlighted the vital role that family support plays in a service member's career. Addressing his son, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jordan Riggs, Riggs expressed his deep pride in the man his son has become and his joy in stepping into the role of a grandfather. As McCrae observed earlier in the ceremony:
"After 27 years, the Navy hands you your retirement papers, but something far more important happens today: your family gets you back."
Following Chief Billy Janic's (Retired) reading of the CPO Retirement Creed, the event concluded with the traditional reading of "The Watch." The moment was especially poignant as Riggs' son, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jordan Riggs, who also served as the ceremony's Boatswain's Mate, read “the Watch”.
"He stood the watch for 27 years so that we, our families and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly and safely at night," Jordan said, looking at his father. "Senior Chief, Dad, you stand relieved. We have the watch."
To close the ceremony, Chief Hospital Corpsman Davonte McCraven rang the ship's bell, and the Sideboys piped Senior Chief Riggs ashore for the final time. Riggs walked past Sideboys Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Earl Moore, Chief Hospital Corpsman Amanda Mejia, Chief Hospital Corpsman Kevin Brooks, and Chief Hospital Corpsman Mike Angelosanto, while McCrae’s earlier words echoed as a fitting close to a 27-year journey:
"You have reached the end of the road. You don't have to find strength for one more step. You can stop, breathe, look back on every mile... and simply say: 'I made it.’