Change of Commander Ceremony Held at 13th Fleet Base in Atlit
At the 13th Fleet base in Atlit, a change of commander ceremony was held this evening (Monday) led by the commander of the naval arm, Major General David Sa’ar Selma, with the participation of the arm’s commanders and soldiers, families, and other guests. The ceremony marked the official assumption of command by Lieutenant Colonel A, who replaced Lieutenant Colonel Amir Farhi after two years in the position.
In his speech during the ceremony, Major General David Sa’ar Selma praised the 13th Fleet for its history of excellence and emphasized the importance of its role in protecting the maritime space as a strategic depth in the security of the State of Israel. He highlighted the extraordinary qualities required to lead such a special unit, commending Lieutenant Colonel A for possessing intelligence, mission-driven mindset, attentiveness, and readiness to take on the responsibility.
Outgoing Commander Lieutenant Colonel Amir Farhi expressed mixed emotions during the ceremony, describing the end of his service in the squadron as a complex moment. He spoke fondly about the significance of serving in the squadron, stating that it had exceeded all his childhood dreams. He expressed pride in the achievements of the squadron over the past two years, both in operational accomplishments and in building the strength and spirit of the navy. He expressed gratitude for the privilege of leading the unit and left with confidence, knowing that he was leaving behind a strong fleet.
Lieutenant Colonel A, the new commander of Sheitat 13, conveyed his sense of responsibility for ensuring the security of the State of Israel. He shared his personal journey, starting as a fighter in Sheyat 20 years ago, and spoke of the values he learned during his time in the unit – personal excellence, modesty, teamwork, and the duty to win in every encounter with the enemy. He emphasized the importance of the people in the unit and pledged to do everything in his power to meet all tasks and ensure the safe return of his men.
The change of command ceremony was a significant event, representing a new chapter for the 13th Fleet. As Lieutenant Colonel A takes on his new role, he carries the weight of responsibility and the legacy of his predecessors. The ceremony marked a moment of reflection and gratitude for the accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Amir Farhi and the anticipation of what lies ahead under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel A.