Rear Adm. Mark E. Butt and Rear Admiral Richard T. Gromlich shake hands after Butt relieved Gromlich of command of the 13th Coast Guard District June 17, 2016. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Sarah Wilson.
SEATTLE — Rear Adm. Mark E. Butt assumed command of the Coast Guard 13th District during a change-of-command ceremony at Coast Guard Base Seattle Friday morning.
Butt relieved Rear Adm. Richard T. Gromlich, who served as the 13th District commander since June 2013.
As the 13th District commander, Butt will be responsible for all Coast Guard operations throughout the Pacific Northwest which includes protecting life and property, enforcing federal laws and treaties, preserving the living marine resources, and promoting national security. Headquartered in Seattle, the 13th District includes the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana and includes more than 4,400 miles of coastline, 600 miles of inland waterways, and a more than 140-mile international border with Canada.
“I am so happy to have the opportunity to work with these fine folks and spend the next three years serving with them,” said Butt.
Butt reported to the 13th District following his most recent assignment as the Assistant Commandant for Capability, Rear Admiral Butt was responsible for identifying and providing service-wide capabilities, competencies, and capacity; and for developing standards for the staffing, training, equipping, sustaining, maintaining, and employing Coast Guard forces to meet mission requirements.
Gromlich ended his 33-year Coast Guard career in a retirement ceremony following the change of command. During his career, he served as a helicopter pilot with previous operational and command tours in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Savannah, Georgia, North Bend, Oregon, San Diego, California and Charleston, South Carolina. Gromlich will continue residing in the Seattle area.
“Your dedication and devotion to duty have been truly inspiring and humbling,” said Gromlich, addressing Coast Guard members of the 13th District. “I couldn’t imagine a better assignment to finish my Coast Guard career.”
Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony.
