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KINGS BAY, Ga. — Members of Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay held a change of command ceremony, Friday, at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
During the ceremony, Cmdr. Joseph Gaskill relieved Cmdr. Kevin Jones as commanding officer of the unit.
Cmdr. Gaskill is reporting from his most recent duty as maritime domain chief and defense support to civil authorities planner to the commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, and United States Northern Command.
“I’m honored to join the team at Maritime Force Protection Unit King's Bay,” said Cmdr. Gaskill. “My family and I look forward to living and serving with the great folks of Camden County.”
Following the relief of command, a retirement ceremony was held for Cmdr. Jones.
“This has been an extraordinary final tour to mark the end of my Coast Guard career," said Cmdr. Jones. "I'm extremely grateful to my crew and the other commands of Team Kings Bay whose professionalism and devotion to duty has always led to mission success”
Presiding over the ceremony was Rear Adm. Scott Buschman, Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that formally restates to the unit that the continuity of the command will be maintained. It is a formal ritual conducted before the assembled crew. The ceremony marks the transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit and the accomplishment of its assigned mission. It is conducted according to a formally prescribed ritual, to honor and maintain the traditions of the service.
Coast Guard Marine Force Protection Unit Kings Bay is responsible for providing dedicated force protection to the Navy’s submarine fleet as they transit in and out of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.
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