Recently promoted Navy Lt Cmdr Megen Scott was sworn into her new rank as Commander on the shores of Clark Lake Friday evening (9/13).  How often does that happen?  Add to that, the ceremony took place with the help of Facetime.  Cmdr Rachel Condon in San Antonio did the honors.  When being sworn into a new rank, the person doing it must be the same rank or higher as the person being promoted.

Megen is the daughter of Terry and Cathy Scott who live on Clark Lake’s north shore, east end.  Megen is currently stationed in Sicily, Italy, and on leave at Clark Lake.  The ceremony took place at the Ulrich’s, just east of Hancock Point.  In this video, you’ll see Megen’s mom and dad affix the new rank on her shoulders.

Megen, who is a nurse practitioner, is married to Wil Morales.  He is a retired Navy medic who achieved the rank of chief.  In the video, you may have heard their young son, James.  His job was to place the new higher-rank hat on Megen, but dad filled in.

So among officers, where does the rank of commander fit within the hierarchy, and how do Navy ranks compare with other branches of the military?

 

Those who view the Clark Lake Boat Count each July will remember Terry Scott.  Since 2018, he has been the commander of the count.  Terry took over from Bill Tuttle who had organized it up until then.  During that first year, Megen was also part of the crew – Terry as commander and pilot, Megen as scribe, and Rick Belcher as barker.