Edict #48
There are many reasons that players have to leave STF for a time - RL does that to all of us. Its sad to see them go, and a
happy occasion when they return.
During my term, we’ve had quite a few of both, Mike Diamond being one of those who returned.
Mike came back early in my term, and won the CO spot on the Draco with his application to then FCOMM5 Dustin.
Let’s talk about Fleet 5 for a moment. This fleet alone has had the most changes, since I’ve been in office. Not long into my
term, Dustin resigned his position as FCOMM due to RL, and suggested Bret Godfrey, who was then appointed to FCOMM5. Bret, as
you remember, was also the Captain of the Kearsarge.
Unfortunately, RL struck again, and Bret had to leave us. The AFCOMM5, held his own cabinet position, and therefore could not
step in as permanent FCOMM5. Now is the embarrassing part - I tried to switch the Paladin (CO Stu Coll) and the Draco (CO Mike
Diamond) between fleets 6 and 5, in order to have an FCOMM in fleet 5. I had some great Captains there, but I was either turned
down, or they were too newly appointed for me to be comfortable with them in the fleet commander position. Mike went along with
this, understanding the move, supporting the move and the appointment of Stu as FCOMM5. He did this, because he knew that it
was what was best for the club, at the time.
Well, RL wasn’t done with us. Stu had to leave us just days after that appointment. So (embarrassing again), I put the Paladin
and the Draco back in their rightful spots. Both ships were happy to be home, and I was happy to have them there, as there was
just something not right about the Paladin not being in Fleet 6, and the Draco not being in Fleet 5.
It was at this time that I offered the position of FCOMM of fleet 5 to Mike Diamond. Luckily for me, he accepted, and since
then Fleet 5 has been running like clockwork.
Mike has more then shown his dedication to STF. He has showed that the truly cares for this club, and her members. In fact, I
remember him saying that he tells each of his CO’s - RL always comes first. Something very important that we frequently forget.
This does, however, keep our club running.
But it goes further then that. Mike has set a stellar example as FCOMM. He has enforced the Chain of Command, which is also an
integral part of STF, he has demonstrated the ability to balance RL and STF, and delegate as needed. He has not let one, get in
the way of the other. Mike is not a ‘do as I say, but not as I do’ person. He sets his standards, and expects everyone -
including himself - to meet them.
Mike Diamond is one of those rare people - they’re natural leaders, because people enjoy following them. Its a pleasure to
serve with him.
Therefore, I hereby promote Michael Diamond, to the rank of Fleet Captain, entitling him to all the rights and privileges that
accompany such a rank.
Congratulations Mike. Well done, and well earned.
Pamela