MOBILE, Ala. — Chief Warrant Officer Todd Murphy relieved Chief Warrant Officer Keith Raisch as commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Saginaw in an official change-of-command ceremony, Friday.
Raisch assumed command of the Saginaw in October 2008, and will retire from the U.S. Coast Guard following 36 years of active-duty service. As commanding officer of the Saginaw, Raisch was responsible for maintaining 1,500 nautical miles of waterways, 1,400 aids to navigation and 40 ranges.
Murphy is coming from the National Data Buoy Center in Bay St. Louis, Miss. Prior to the NDBC, Murphy served ashore at Vessel Traffic Service New Orleans for one year and as a search and rescue controller at Coast Guard Group St. Petersburg, Fla., for two years. He has served aboard 11 different Coast Guard Cutters such as the Yocona, Diligence, Chandeleur and Confidence.
Murphy is the eleventh Master Cutterman of the Coast Guard with more than 22 years of sea service. Master Cutterman is awarded to enlisted members who have served 20 years of sea duty.
The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and deeply rooted in Coast Guard and Naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command.
