two-and-a-half years.

His replacement as Resident Naval Officer and Commanding Officer will be Commander Robin Bawtree, who has served in the Gulf, Far East, and Mediterranean.

The October 16 change of command comes amid questioning over the role of the base following the collapse of the Warsaw Pact.

Cdr. Steiner is leaving for a new appointment in NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Among the highlights of his period at the helm of HMS Malabar have been visits by Princess Margaret, President Bush, and ex-British Prime Minister Mrs.

Margaret Thatcher and her successor, Mr. John Major.

Cdr. Steiner and his wife, Judith, have also played host to more than 100 British and NATO warships.

Cdr. Steiner said: "It's been a time of change. The demise of the Warsaw Pact has meant a rethink of the role of national and NATO military assets.'' With the cutting back in the number of US and Canadian forces in Bermuda, the role of HMS Malabar has also been questioned, he added.

But Cdr. Steiner said he was pleased the importance of HMS Malabar was recognised by the British Government and the naval authorities.

"There is no intention of reducing its capability in the foreseeable future.

"I have had the privilege of commanding a first rate small base, with the nicest, most loyal and hard working naval and civilian personnel I could have wished for.

"We shall miss them and all the friends we have made in Bermuda.'' Cdr. Bawtree, a qualified fighter controller, first visited Bermuda in May 1963 during basic training.

He has served on HMS Jaguar, HMS Charybdis, HMS Galatea, and HMS Ajax.

Promoted to commander, he was appointed to Portugal for a two-year NATO staff job.

Between 1990 and 1992 he was on the joint planning staff at Wilton, during which time he revisited Bermuda for a few days.

A married father-of-two he is a former Royal Navy squash champion, a qualified national squash referee and a Wimbledon umpire.

His wife, Anne, who served for two years in the Womens Royal Naval Service as a personnel selection officer, is a specialist teacher in dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.

LEAVING -- Commander Anthony St. John Steiner.

TAKING OVER -- Commander Robin Bawtree will take over HMS Malabar on October 16. He has seen service in the Gulf, Far East and the Mediterranean.