KENNEWICK, Wash. — Chief Petty Officer Jeff H. Ruggieri assumed command of Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team Kennewick, Wednesday, during a change of command ceremony held at the ANT Kennewick Station.
Ruggieri replaces Chief Petty Officer Gary C. Hurdle who will transfer to Cutter Mellon in Seattle.
Ruggieri, a qualified Surfman who enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1989, previously served as commanding officer of ANT Los Angeles/Long Beach, San Pedro, Calif. Ruggieri’s ANT experience also includes service at ANT, Sabine Pass, Texas, ANT Ponce de Leon Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., and ANT Fort Pierce, Fla.
Ruggieri’s personal awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, Coxswain Insignia, Boat Forces Insignia and Surfman Insignia.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally restates, to the officers and crew of the command, the continuity of the authority vested in the Commanding Officer. This unique military ritual represents a total transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from one leader to the next.
