Lt. Cmdr. Paul Salerno, commanding officer of Coast Guard Communication Station Kodiak, Alaska, addresses the audience and crew at the Communication Station decommissioning ceremony, Sept. 18, 2015.
Coast Guard Communication Stations across the nation are being decommissioned and adopting the new system and title of Communications Command which will remotely operate certain components of the communications framework in Chesapeake, Virginia.
This initiative will save the taxpayers approximately $10 million annually without any reduction to services the Coast Guard provides to the maritime public or its federal partners.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Steenson.
Coast Guard members render honors to the U.S. flag and Coast Guard ensign at the Communication Station decommissioning ceremony in Kodiak, Alaska, Sept. 18, 2015.
Communication Station Kodiak began its service as Radio Station Kodiak in 1957. With the advancement of technology, it changed to Communication Station in 1973. Now with further advancements, the Coast Guard is dedicated to finding more efficient ways to complete missions and provide services at the highest quality possible.
Mariners will not experience any change in the services the Coast Guard communication system currently provides, nor will the changes impact how they communicate with the Coast Guard to obtain emergency assistance.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Steenson.
Lt. Cmdr. Paul Salerno, commanding officer of Coast Guard Communication Station Kodiak, Alaska, conducts a uniform inspection of his crew at the Communication Station decommissioning ceremony, Sept. 18, 2015.
"One constant that has existed in our 225-year-old service is change," said Capt. Lane Johnson during his remarks at the ceremony. "Change propelled by the ever-pressing need to advance with technology, match capabilities and combat the threat of the day while also exercising responsible stewardship."
Kodiak will maintain a staff of approximately 22 watchstanders as a detachment to ensure Alaska mariners receive the same level of communication services.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Steenson.