Stephen Atchley News

3 USCG Cutters Change Command

Three Coast Guard cutter crews officially changed commands Thursday during a ceremony in Portsmouth at Sector Hampton Roads. The crews of Coast Guard Cutters Shearwater, Sea Horse and Cochito, 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boats homeported in Hampton Roads, bid farewell to departing officers-in-charge and welcomed aboard the incoming, during the unique, triple change-of-command ceremony. Master Chief Petty Officer Stephen Atchley was relieved as officer-in-charge of the Shearwater by Senior Chief Joseph Orlando. Atchley assumed command of the Cochito, replacing Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher Lombard. Master Chief Petty Officer Heath Jones was relieved as officer-in-charge of the Sea Horse by Lombard. Jones will go on to work as the command master chief for Sector Hampton Roads.