NEW ORLEANS — Capt. Philip Schifflin relieved Capt. Peter Gautier as commander of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans in an official change-of-command ceremony, Friday.
Capt. Gautier assumed command of Sector New Orleans in 2011, and will become the Director of Government and Public Affairs for the Coast Guard.
Capt. Philip Schifflin relieved Capt. Peter Gautier as commander of Coast Guard Sector New Orleans in an official change-of-command ceremony at the Port of New Orleans, June 27, 2014. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Carlos Vega
As sector commander, Gautier served as Captain of the Port, led the Coast Guard response during Hurricane Isaac, numerous oil and hazardous material spills, search and rescue cases and oversaw readiness improvements for hurricanes and oil spills.
Gautier was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral Lower Half during a promotion ceremony following the change of command.
Schifflin graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy . His operational tours in the Coast Guard include deputy sector commander at Sector New Orleans, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Point Arena, and response Chief at Coast Guard Sector Mobile.
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.
Click the photo for more from the ceremony.
