Coast Guard ISC to Hold Change of Command

Coast Guard Integrated Support Command New Orleans is scheduled to host a change-of-command and retirement ceremony for the commanding officer of Coast Guard ISC New Orleans, Friday at at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility. During the ceremony, Capt. Peter Oittinen will assume the responsibilities of commanding officer of Coast Guard ISC New Orleans from Capt. David J. Regan. Rear Adm. Ronald T. Hewitt, Maintenance and Logistic Atlantic commander, is scheduled to preside over the change-of-command ceremony. Capt. Regan, the commanding officer of ISC New Orleans since 2004, dilitgently oversaw the relocation and reconstruction of the ISC after it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Capt. Regan will retire with more than 27 years of Coast Guard service. Capt. Oittinen arrives from ISC Boston where he served as executive officer and industrial manager, providing a full range of support to every unit located within the First Coast Guard District. The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by the rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a formal custom that is designed to strengthen the respect of authority, which is vital to any military organization. The climax of the ceremony is reached when both officers read their orders, face one another, salute and transfer responsibility for the command. This provides the entire command with the knowledge that the officer directed by proper authority is taking command and an opportunity to witness this transfer of responsibility.