Capt. John Rivers (right) salutes Cmdr. J. Marshall Branch during the Coast Guard Air Station Savannah change of command ceremony, Friday, July 15, 2016. U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Station Savannah.
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The crew of Coast Guard Air Station Savannah hosted a change-of-command ceremony Friday at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah.
During the ceremony, Capt. John Rivers transferred command to Cmdr. J. Marshall Branch.
Branch served as the executive officer for Coast Guard Air Station Detroit before assuming command.
“I’m very honored to take the responsibility as commanding officer for Air Station Savannah,” said Branch. “I look forward to serving the people of Savannah and the surrounding communities while upholding the quality of service the crews instill here.”
The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that formally restates to the unit the continuity of the command will be maintained. It is a formal ritual conducted before the assembled crew. The ceremony marks the transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit and the accomplishments of its assigned missions. It is conducted according to a formally prescribed ritual to honor and maintain the traditions of the service.
