PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Cmdr. Joseph J. Sundland relieved Capt. Gregory D. Wisener of the duties and responsibilities as commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Forward during a change of command ceremony at Base Portsmouth Friday.
Sundland reports from the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf in Alameda, California, where he served as the executive officer.
Vice Adm. William “Dean” Lee, Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander, presided over the change of command ceremony
Cmdr. Joseph J. Sundland relieves Capt. Gregory D. Wisener of the duties and responsibilities as commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Forward during a change of command ceremony at Base Portsmouth Friday July 25, 2014. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Shinn)
Wisener is a 1991 graduate of the U. S. Coast Guard Academy. Throughout his career he has served aboard five cutters.
During Wisener’s time as commanding officer, the crew aboard the Forward conducted multiple patrols in support of Operation Martillo; disrupting illegal activity throughout the Caribbean Sea, responding to multiple search and rescue cases, while seamlessly working with a multitude of U.S. Navy, and international partners.
Wisener will report to the Coast Guard Leadership and Development center as the commanding officer.
The change of command ceremony is a revered military tradition, which formally restates the continuity and authority of command. It is a formal custom conducted before the assembled crew, and confirms to the men and women of the unit that the authority of command is maintained. The ceremony is a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.
Click the photo for more from the ceremony.
