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Coast Guard Cmdr. Gregory A. Shouse salutes Cmdr. Andrew D. Meverden during a change of command ceremony onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Bear at Base Portsmouth in Portsmouth, Virginia, June 17, 2016. The change of command ceremony is a revered military tradition, which formally restates the continuity and authority of command. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Turner Adair
PORTSMOUTH, Va – Cmdr. Gregory A. Shouse relieved Cmdr. Andrew D. Meverden of the duties and responsibilities as commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Bear during a change of command ceremony Friday at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Shouse most recently served on the Coast Guard Cutter Resolute as the executive officer.
During Meverden’s tenure serving as the commanding officer, the crew aboard the Bear conducted multiple patrols as part of a Joint Interagency Task Force in support of Coast Guard District Seven, disrupted illegal activity throughout the Caribbean Sea, responded to four search and rescue cases, provided humanitarian care and safe repatriation of more than 73 migrants, and seized more than 2,447 kilograms of contraband.
Capt. Caleb Corson, the chief of operations for Coast Guard Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony.
Meverden will report to Coast Guard Atlantic Area Cutter Forces.
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.