ST. MARYS, Ga. – The crew of Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Kings Bay, Georgia, celebrated a change of command ceremony Friday in St. Marys.
During the ceremony, Cmdr. Matthew Baer relinquished command of the unit to Lt. Cmdr. Eric Casper.
During a change of command ceremony Friday, July 11, 2014, in St. Marys, Georgia, Cmdr. Matthew Baer relinquished command of Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Kings Bay to Lt. Cmdr. Eric Casper. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Lauren Jorgensen)
Baer, who also celebrated 20 years of Coast Guard service Friday, is reporting to the Coast Guard Special Missions Training Center in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Baer thanked the members of the unit for their hard work and dedication during his time as commanding officer and said his success was a result of their commitment to excellence.
Casper said he is thrilled to be taking over and knows he has big shoes to fill, but is excited for what lies ahead and the opportunity given to him.
MSST Kings Bay was commissioned Oct. 6, 2003, and its formation was authorized by congress in direct response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
The unit provides a dedicated tactical force of 74 active duty personnel possessing specialized skills, capabilities and expertise to perform a broad range of ports, waterways and coastal security, law enforcement and humanitarian missions in support of Coast Guard sector commanders, interagency partners and DoD combatant commanders. MSST Kings Bay is fully mission ready to conduct operations without the need for supplemental training, additional outfitting or outside support through all maritime security levels.
