Cutter to Receive New Officer in Charge

Coast Guard Cutter Chippewa is scheduled to hold a change-of-command and retirement ceremony Friday at 11 a.m. at Coast Guard Shore Side Detachment Paris Landing here. Master Chief Petty Officer Ray Sexton will relieve Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Gibbs, who took command of the Chippewa in June 2000. Sexton previously served as officer in charge of the Coast Guard Cutter Brant, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Corpus Christi, Texas. A retirement ceremony will immediately follow for Gibbs, who has finished more than 34 years of Coast Guard service; however, Gibbs will return to active duty and take command of the Coast Guard Cutter Cheyenne, a 75-foot river tender homeported in St. Louis. Among Gibbs' military achievements is the title of 6th Enlisted Ancient Mariner of the Coast Guard, which he received in August 1997. The title recognizes the individual with the earliest date of permanent entitlement to wear the Cutterman's Insignia. To earn this title, the member must personify and uphold the Coast Guard's Core Values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty, along with the professionalism and leadership associated with long service afloat.