Capt. Brian Keffer and Capt. Harry Mautte shake hands during the change of command ceremony at Base Miami Beach, June 6, 2019. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Murray.
MIAMI — Capt. Harry Mautte relieved Capt. Brian Keffer as the commander of Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, Friday during a change-of-command ceremony at Base Miami Beach.
Mautte reported to Base Miami Beach from Coast Guard 7th District where he was District Director of Auxiliary since 2018. Keffer will transfer to Director of Operational Logistics as chief of base operations.
Rear Adm. Melvin Boublis, commander of Director of Operational Logistics presided over the event.
Base Miami Beach is comprised of 341 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel, who provide critical mission support to the Coast Guard’s 7th District which includes six sectors, 38 cutters, four air stations, and 15 small boat stations.
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, Base Miami Beach facilitated the movement of Personnel Support Teams and Repair Teams to support the 5th, 7th, and 8th Districts in response to Hurricanes Florence and Michael. Base assets issued approximately $350,000 in Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Loans, issued over 200 evacuation orders, and rapidly made repairs and restored power to Coast Guard cutter moorings, small boat stations, aids to navigation teams, marine safety detachments, and sectors.
The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition. It represents a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another. The event ensures the continuity of leadership and operations within the sector’s area of responsibility.
