SCHINNEN, Netherlands — East Islip native Capt. Thomas J. Kaminski took command of Coast Guard Activities Europe in a ceremony Thursday at the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux-Schinnen, Netherlands
Kaminski relieved Capt. David F. Berliner as the commanding officer. Capt. Larry W. Hewett, chief of preparedness, Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony.
Kaminski earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management from the Coast Guard Academy and a master’s degree in business administration from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. His military decorations include two meritorious service medals, three commendation medals and several other personal and unit awards.
The change of command ceremony provides a time-honored ritual that has remained essentially unchanged for centuries of naval history. Signifying the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability to the assembled crew, the tradition represents the Coast Guard men and women who have stated the words and assumed the command.
Activities Europe was established in 1995 and is located in Schinnen, The Netherlands. The unit is primarily responsible for two vital missions, Marine Inspections and International Port Security. Together these two departments represent the Coast Guard throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Kaminski is the son of Janet Barrago of East Islip and the nephew of Thomas Barrago of West Islip.
For more information, contact Lt. Cmdr. James Suffern, ACTEUR PAO, at (00)31 65 394 0969 or james.b.suffern@uscg.mil .