MIAMI – A change-of-watch ceremony is scheduled for the Gold Ancient Mariner, alongside the Coast Guard Cutter Valiant at the U.S. Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Miami, 100 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach, Fla., Friday at 5 p.m.
Capt. Michael A. Jett, former chief of enforcement at Coast Guard District Seven, will be relieved as the 12th Gold Ancient Mariner by Coast Guard Chief of Staff Vice Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr. Rear Adm. David W. Kunkel, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District will preside over the ceremony. Rear Adm. Kunkel is also the Ancient Albatross, a title established in 1966 to honor the Coast Guard Aviator holding the earliest aviator designation.
Jett, who has served the Coast Guard faithfully for 40 years, will retire from the Coast Guard during the same ceremony.
Jett’s relief by Vice Adm. Papp will be marked by the traditional changing of the garb in which ceremonial shoulder boards will be passed from the 12th Gold Ancient Mariner to the 13th Gold Ancient Mariner.
The Gold Ancient Mariner Award was established in 1978 to honor those officers who personify the dedication and professionalism associated with long service at sea and who have held the distinction of Cutterman longer than any other officer. The Gold Ancient Mariner, along with the enlisted Ancient Mariner, is charged with keeping a close watch to ensure that sea-service traditions are continued and that the time-honored reputation of the Coast Guard is maintained.
The Gold Ancient Mariner must have the earliest date of qualification for a permanent cutterman’s pin, with a minimum of 10 years sea service, of which five must have been served as a commissioned officer.
