WASHINGTON – The Deployable Operations Group will hold a change of command ceremony at the Telecommunication and Information Systems Command in Alexandria, Va., on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
In the ceremony, Rear Adm. William “Dean” Lee will formally relieve Rear Adm.Tom Atkin of command of the DOG.
A native of Richmond, Rear Adm. Lee reports to the DOG from Coast Guard District Seven in Miami, Fla., where he served as Chief of Staff.
During his tenure as the “plank owner” Commanding Officer, Rear Admiral Atkin oversaw the historic re-organization of 27 units and more than 3,000 Coast Guardsman that now report to the DOG.
The DOG was established in July 2007 by Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen to align all Coast Guard deployable, specialized forces under a single, unified command. Since its inception, the DOG has coordinated the Coast Guard response to threats and disasters around the globe.
DSF units include 12 Maritime Safety and Security Teams, the Maritime Security Response Team, two Tactical Law Enforcement Teams, eight Port Security Units, three Strike Teams and the National Strike Force Coordination Center.
The DOG is headquartered in Arlington, Va., and is staffed by active duty officers, enlisted, reservists, auxiliary and civilians.
