Saipan Southern High School – SSHS Manta Ray Battalion conducts annual Change of Command Ceremony

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Writer – C/1LT. Burgos, Caitlyn

Photographer –

A change of command is a military tradition that signifies the seamless transition of full authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another.

Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Battalion conducted its annual change of command and promotion ceremony for the incoming battalion commander on May 9th, 2025, from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Newly promoted C/LTC Saluta, Jolash stands with CSM (Ret.) Richard Basa, SSHS Principal Mr.Vince Dela Cruz, SSHS Vice Principal Mrs. Arisa Sakai-Peters, PSS BOE Teacher Representative Dr. Dora Miura, and family of C/LTC Saluta, Jolash.

The Manta Ray Battalion held a formation in front of Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Monument. The ceremony started with the Battalion Color Guard presenting the colors while the national and CNMI anthems were sung by the Manta Ray Battalion’s very own C/PVT Guevarra, Amber and C/PVT Villagomez, Ciara.

The newly promoted battalion commander, C/LTC Saluta, Jolash, received the colors after passing through the C/CSM Barce, Eman, the outgoing commander, C/LTC Vicente, Riana, and the SSHS principal, Mr. Vince Dela Cruz. The change of command ceremony commemorated the outgoing battalion commander, C/LTC Vicente, Riana, relinquishing her position to the incoming battalion commander, C/LTC Saluta, Jolash.

C/LTC Vicente, Riana, the outgoing battalion commander receives a plaque for her hard work and dedication.

C/LTC Riana Vicente was given a plaque recognizing her dedication, commitment, and strong leadership skills while she commanded the Manta Ray Battalion during SY 2024-2025.

Her successor, C/LTC Saluta, Jolash, will be the next to light the way for the Manta Ray Battalion into an aspiring path for the SY 2025-2026.

Both outgoing and incoming battalion commanders celebrated the occasion by cutting a cake and sharing it with the other cadets.

C/MAJ Saluta, Jolash is promoted by CSM Basa, and his mother to the rank of C/LTC.

We thank the incoming battalion commander’s parents for attending this memorable occasion. We’d also like to thank SSHS Principal Vince Dela Cruz, SSHS Vice Principal Arisa Sakai-Peters, and PSS BOE Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura for constantly supporting and guiding our cadets. The Manta Ray Battalion’s Senior Army Instructor, CSM (Ret.) Richard Basa recognized the incoming SY 2025-2026 staff and celebrated with the cadets and student leaders who supported the Mighty Manta Ray Battalion. Mega Hooah!