PORTSMOUTH, Va. – Capt. Christopher S. Keane assumed command of Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads following a change-of-command ceremony Friday at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth.
As commander of Sector Hampton Roads, Keane is responsible for operations in the ports and navigable waterways of the Atlantic coast from the Maryland/Virginia border to the Virginia/North Carolina border, including the commercial ports of Hampton Roads and Richmond. Field commands and personnel assigned to Sector Hampton Roads are responsible for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, foreign and domestic vessel inspections, marine casualty investigations, port safety and security, homeland defense and military readiness, waterways management, waterfront facility inspections, marine environmental protection, and fishing, towing, charter and attraction vessel exams.
Keane assumed command after spending the past two years as the deputy at Sector Hampton Roads. He relieved Capt. John K. Little, who served as the sector commander since 2012. Little’s next assignment will be as the chief of staff for the 9th Coast Guard District, based in Cleveland, Ohio.
Rear Adm. Stephen P. Metruck, commander of the 5th Coast Guard District, presided over the ceremony.
