NORFOLK, Va. — In the 107-year history of the world's largest naval base, there's had never been anyone like her.
Captain Janet Days assumed command a year and half ago — becoming Naval Station Norfolk's 51st commanding officer, and the first Black woman to lead the 6,200-acre installation, which is home to 63 ships, 188 aircraft and more than 74,000 personnel.
The prior enlisted surface warfare officer and 1999 Old Dominion University graduate received numerous accolades in her career, including a Legion of Merit award on her final day as C.O.
At Friday's change of command ceremony, Days said during her time, she's proud of undertaking a $2.5 million stormwater infrastructure project, installing free Wi-Fi to the base barracks and bringing back the base bus tours, which had been shut down since the pandemic.
The ceremony also marked the end of Days' 37-year Navy career.
She said she's most satisfied with having served as an inspiration.
"I'm most proud of the sailors that will come behind me, the sailors that had the opportunity, that trusted me to mentor and to coach them and to allow them to see success in their careers in whichever manner they decide to go," she said.
And what will Days miss the most? The people.
"The Navy is a family. It's a surrogate family. And those relationships and bonds, you won't see anywhere else," she said.
Captain Matthew Schlarmann took over Friday as Naval Station Norfolk's 52nd Commanding Officer. He most recently served as the base's executive officer.
Schlarmann is a Naval Academy graduate and Naval Flight Officer, who accumulated more than 3,000 hours in E/A-6B Prowler and E/A-18G Growler.