New York Homeported Cutter: Change of Command

Coast Guard Cutter 'Wire' holds change of command ceremony in Saugerties, N.Y.

Capt. Gordon Loebl, commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, was the presiding official over the time-honored ceremony as Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Jason Cross relieved Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Cairns, former officer in charge of the Coast Guard Cutter Wire,  a 65-foot icebreaking tug homeported in Saugerties, N.Y. 

The Coast Guard Cutter Wire’s 7-person crew is responsible for domestic icebreaking, port security, search and rescue, aids to navigation and law enforcement operations.

Cross, a native of Wilmington, Vt., reports from Station Port O’Conner, Texas, where he served as executive petty officer.

The change of command ceremony is a formal, time-honored ceremony conducted before the assembled officers and enlisted persons of a command that formally restates the continuing authority of that command. The change of command is a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another.

In the picture: Capt. Gordon A. Loebl, commander, Coast Guard Sector New York, looks on as Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Cairns, left, congratulates Chief Petty Officer Jason Cross, the incoming officer in charge of Cutter 'Wire', following the transfer of command.