The Bermuda Regiment ushered in a new era on Saturday ? when Lt. Col. Edward Lamb stepped down as Commanding Officer and Lt. Col. William White was officially sworn in.

The National Sports Centre was awash with pomp, parades, salutes and ceremony as Lt. Col. White was welcomed into his new post and farewell tributes from dignitaries poured in for Lt. Col. Lamb, who served the Regiment for 26 years, including four as CO.

Governor Sir John Vereker, whose entry was greeted by a thunderous 17-gun salute, hailed Lt. Col. Lamb?s dedication.

He said: ?You made the Regiment a part of your life and the Regiment is a finer place because of it.?

Sir John said the outgoing chief?s attitude was not to ask what the community could do for him ? but what he could do for the community.

Premier Alex Scott said Lt. Col. Lamb rolled up his sleeves and achieved his goals. ?Bermuda owes you a debt of gratitude,? he told crowds who packed the stadium grandstand on Saturday evening.

Lt. Col. Lamb, who left the Stadium to warm applause from spectators, said he had thoroughly enjoyed his career, spanning more than two decades in the Regiment. The last few years included overseeing hurricane relief work in Bermuda, Grenada and Cayman.

The St. David?s Islander thanked his troops and said they played a vital role in the stability of Bermuda ? and he said he prayed it would go from strength to strength under Lt. Col. White?s leadership.

After accepting the sword of command, Lt. Col. White said his new role left him ?brimming with pride?. It was his ?greatest honour? to take command of the troops, he told the crowd and assembled top brass.

He is the Regiment?s 13th CO since it was formed in 1965.

The 40-year-old, a 13th generation Bermudian, added: ?We are standing ready to help this Island whenever the call comes in its time of need. It?s an insurance policy which you and your forebears have paid for over the years in taxes and time and service.

?I pledge to ensure that your faith in the Regiment will always be fully justified under my command.?

Former Training Officer Lt. Col. White, who revealed that one of his relatives commanded a Bermuda militia way back in the 1670s, also praised Lt. Col. Lamb for support and advice he had provided.

Earlier, the Governor said the new man at the top had the qualities needed to serve the Regiment well. He said Bermuda had to be ready for whatever fate threw at it ? be it public disorder, an act of terrorism or another hurricane.

And Sir John said that the period of reform that started under Lt. Col. Lamb must continue, with the battalion making itself more attractive to recruits, making training more relevant and upgrading equipment.

?I?m confident it will do these things under your leadership,? he continued.

The Premier said the Island was grateful that Lt. Col. White has accepted the call to service.

?You are another shining example of what can be achieved when a young Bermudian puts service above self,? he told the parade.

Lt. Col. White joined the Regiment 21 years ago and was commissioned as an officer in 1994. He served as Aide-de-Camp to Governors Lord Waddington and Thorold Masefield from 1996 to 1999 and has also fulfilled the role of Adjutant. He is married with three daughters.

Speaking about his new role when it was confirmed in February, Lt. Col. White said: ?It does not seem that long ago that I attended Recruit Camp as a young unwilling conscript back in 1985.?

And he thanked all of those who through his career had ?provided guidance, example, discipline, encouragement and leadership, who have shed sweat and tears, oaths and epithets, in developing character and a sense of duty in this officer you see before you today.?

Lt. Col. Lamb has said his legacy would be one of ?passionate and personal service?.