Major General Robert Wolf assumed command of the New York Naval Militia, a component of New York State’s Military Forces in a formal ceremony held at the State University of New York Maritime College, in New York City.
The change-of-command ceremony, presided over by Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General and commander of New York’s military, marked the transition of command to Wolf from Rear Admiral Robert A. Rosen. Rosen, a Rhinebeck, Dutchess County resident has led the Naval Militia, a federally recognized state military reserve force since 1995.
Wolf, a retired Marine Corps Lt. Col from Ossining, Westchester County, is the first Marine Officer to lead the Naval Militia in its more than 100-year existence. Wolf has been acting commander of the New York Naval Militia, the oldest of the seven state naval forces in the country, since June of 2007.
The event featured the traditional passing of the colors, signifying the change of command authority from Rosen to Wolf. Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Michael Balboni, and New York State Senator Vincent Leibell, the Chairman of the State Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee also spoke.
Captain of the Port of New York, US Coast Guard and Commander, Coast Guard Sector New York, Captain Robert O’Brien made the presentation and The SUNY Maritime College Band and the US Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Band, Miramar, Cal. played during the ceremony held at the SUNY Maritime College.
Taluto also recognized Rosen for his service to the state and nation by presenting him the Colonel Gouveneur Morris Citizen/Soldier Award. The award recognizes members of the New York Organized Militia for outstanding support to their fellow soldiers, local community and the State of New York.
Rosen has served in the federal and state military forces for 49 years. He was also the president and a cofounder of The Fisher House Foundation, Inc., a member of the Board of Directors of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum and now serves as Trustee Emeritus and a Commissioner of the New York City Korean War Veterans 50th Anniversary Commemorative Commission among other activities.
