KODIAK, Alaska (D17 Public Affairs) – Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Keith M. Ropella will assume command of the Coast Guard Cutter SPAR during a change of command ceremony scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, at the Coast Guard base aboard the SPAR.
Ropella, a native of Green Bay, Wisc., will officially relieve Lt. Cmdr. Anthony A. Stobbe of command of the Coast Guard Cutter SPAR.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that formally symbolizes the continuity of authority as command is passed from one individual to another. It is a formal ceremony conducted before the assembled company of the command. The change of command represents the transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.
Ropella is transferring from Cleveland where he served as command center supervisor for Ninth District Command. His awards include four Coast Guard Achievement Medals, a Coast Guard Unit Commendation, two Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendations and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
Stobbe, a native of Longmont, Colo., will assume the rank of commander when he reports to Integrated Support Command Kodiak as the facilities engineer. His awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, and two Commandants Letter of Commendations.
The SPAR services 155 fixed and floating aids to navigation in an operating area of over two million square miles. The SPAR operates from Kodiak, west to Attu Island in the Aleutians and north to the Canadian border in the Arctic Circle.
