SEATTLE — Chief Warrant Officer Ursula W. Walther assumed command of Coast Guard Station Neah Bay, Wash., Thursday, during a change of command ceremony held at the Coast Guard station.
Walther is the first female CWO to command a small boat station in the 13th Coast Guard District. She is replaces CWO Robert C. Schmidt who will transfer to the 14th Coast Guard District Waterways Management Branch in Honolulu.
Walther, who enlisted in the Coast Guard in March 1994, previously served as the Operations Training Officer for the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the 7th Coast Guard District. She has served as the Executive Petty Officer for two small boat stations and one Coast Guard patrol boat, and has served as the Officer-in-Charge of Coast Guard Station Oswego, N.Y.
Walther’s awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, two Letter of Commendation Ribbons, and five Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally restates, to the officers and crew of the command, the continuity of the authority vested in the Commanding Officer. This unique military ritual represents a total transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from one leader to the next.
