This one's going to be fairly short, because to be quite honest, I only have a couple of things to announce.

I. Opening
II. Promotions/Awards
III. RSXO

I. Opening
Now, to begin with my usual chatter, we're coming into the fall months. Some of our younger and even college aged members have probably started school already, unless, like my home state of Minnesota, school doesn't start until after Labor Day. Either way, with the upswing of RL activity in the fall, there's a tendency for things to drop a little around here, and that's pretty normal. Even so, if you need to be gone for an extended period of time, make sure and let at least your direct CO know, so you don't get marked AWOL or anything, removed from a roster, etc.

In addition, now would be a good time for COs to check in with the members under their (nominal) command and find out what, if any, new demands the school year would make on their time.


II. Promotions/Awards

If anyone missed my special medal awarded to Raven for his outstanding service as ABG CO for the longest term as a Fleet CO in RS History, please check the news section of rebelsquadrons.org.

Moving onwards, anyway, I have a special promotion to bestow here, and for those on the inside of it, it's somewhat funny that I'm the one who's going to make this promotion.

Several years ago, over an issue of bylaws discrepancy, Admiral Rahj Tharen, a former RSFC, was demoted to the rank of Vice Admiral by the RS High Command. Upon his later resignation as RSFC, High Command saw fit to promote him again, to the rank of Admiral in recognition of his service as RSFC.

A proposal has come to me supported by multiple members of High Command that Rahj be promoted to the rank he deserves given the ambiguity of his previous "punishment", of which I was one of the primary sponsors. Looking back now, through the lens of my own time as RSFC as well as the incredibly logical and well-laid out arguments that trusted members of HC have made to me, I agree that it is only fitting to act within my bylaw granted powers and reverse the decision of that sitting term of High Command with the means left available to me.

During Rahj's terms as both RSXO and RSFC, he was instrumental in organizing such projects as the Outer Rim Wars, as well as, in conjunction with Kaz, ensuring that other (much lamer) clubs, such as the Emperor's Hammer refused to play the Jedi Knight series of games for fear of losing, badly, to the RS.

That being said, it is my utmost pleasure to promote Admiral Rahj Tharen to the highest rank given in the Rebel Squadrons, that of Fleet Admiral!



III. RSXO

Well, this might be the announcement that some people have been waiting for. I flatter myself in thinking that it's what "everyone" was waiting for.

I hate to disappoint, but I have not yet found a suitable candidate to fill the position of RSXO. In vetting several candidates, what I have found, is someone suitable to fill the role of RSFC.

Because of that, I've submitted my resignation as Rebel Squadrons Fleet Commander to High Command effective the date a new Fleet Commander is elected. I have submitted the candidate I've found as a nominee for my job, and expressed my desire to remain in RS leadership either in my current position as ABG XO, or as a member of the newly elected FC's command staff. Rather than appoint a temporary XO, I've chosen to simply leave the position vacant and allow the new FC-elect to choose their own command staff.

Regardless, this will be my last State of the Rebel Squadrons address -- I've made my nomination to High Command and asked that discussion continue for a maximum of two weeks, at the end of which, I'll call a vote on September 14th to elect a new FC unless things have been resolved before then. At that time, I'll make a formal farewell address (but I'll try to keep it short for y'all) and announce the new FC.

With that, I'm going to go ahead and make the RSDB magic happen to promote Rahj, and head to the bar for cheap beers and a game of pool or two with my roommate!

As usual,

-Rear Admiral Sienn "Morningstar" Sconn
Rebel Squadrons Fleet Commander