Cmdr. Randy C. Reeves relinquished the helm of the Naval Reserve Center at Naval Air Station Meridian on Sunday, and his successor is pleased to have the opportunity to remain in Meridian.

Lt. Cmdr. Daniel A. Ogden left his post as an instructor pilot with Training Squadron 9 at NAS Meridian to assume his new post as commander of the reserve center. During the ceremony, Ogden praised his predecessor and reassured reservists he is up to the task.

“I pledge to do everything in my power to help you succeed in both your professional and personal careers,” Ogden said. “I will be actively engaged in removing any obstacle that would prevent your growth as a sailor. No one in this room should have any doubts.”

Ogden was joined at Sunday’s ceremony by his wife, Sarah, and his children, William Daniel, 6, and Alyson Ann, 3.

The reservists of NRC Meridian participate in a variety of active-duty Navy commands such as Operational Health Support Unit Pensacola, Operational Support Unity Meridian and Naval Security Force Meridian. These civilian sailors are trained through a combination of classroom instruction at NRC, working on site with NAS Meridian personnel, off-site drilling and two weeks of annual training.

In his farewell speech, Reeves said the 150 men and women in the Naval Reserve are always ready to heed the call of duty.

Reeves will report in June to Bahrain, Iraq, where he will be in charge of coordinating missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reeves took over as commanding officer of the NRC in November 2003. He was accompanied Sunday by his wife, Aida, and his daughter, Kristen.

After the ceremony, Reeves said Meridian’s NRC is the best.

“The Reserve Center is at the very top, and that is not because of anything I did,” Reeves said. “This is the best crew anyone could want to work with. I gave them direction, but they made it happen.”

Reeves also was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal.

Reservist Julian Carroll said he was sad to see Reeves depart.

“He expects a lot, and I like working for someone who has high expectations,” Carroll said.

Capt. Russell P. Knight, commanding officer at NAS Meridian, said Reeves did a great job during his time at NAS.

“He ran this place like a fleet unit; they respect him and they respond to the call of duty,” Knight said.

Also honored at Sunday’s ceremony was Capt. David E. Conwill, a Jackson physician who retired from the Navy Reserves after more than 30 years.

His final active-duty assignment involved Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit working from the USS Shreveport in New Orleans. His responsibilities were to treat sailors and Marines, as well as those who were affected by the storms.

Even though he is retiring, Conwill plans to continue to drill with the Naval Reserve.

“And I better maintain readiness just in case they call me out of retirement,” Conwill joked.

Conwill also was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.