Cmdr. Brian Anderson, former commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Vice Adm. Charles Ray, the Coast Guard Pacific Area commander, for his service aboard the Alert during a change-of -command ceremony in Astoria, Ore., May 22, 2015.
Anderson took command of Alert in June of 2013 and will continue his Coast Guard service at the Command, Control and Engineering Center in Portsmouth, Va.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert stand at parade rest awaiting inspection from Cmdr. Brian Anderson, former commanding officer of the Alert, and Cmdr. Patrick Culver, oncoming captain of the Alert, at a change-of-command ceremony in Astoria, Ore., May 22, 2015.
Culver is reporting to the Alert from his prior position as the deputy of cutter forces on the East Coast.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg.
Cmdr. Brian Anderson, former commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert, hands flowers to his family following his farewell speech to his crew during a change-of-command ceremony in Astoria, Ore., May 22, 2015.
Anderson currently has more than 19 years in service.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg.
Cmdr. Patrick Culver, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert, relieves Cmdr. Brian Anderson, former commander of the Coast Guard Cutter Alert during a change-of-command ceremony in Astoria, Ore., May 22, 2015.
Culver will be the Alert’s 27th commanding officer.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg.