Senior Chief Petty Officer David Pierias, incoming officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Umpqua River, Master Chief Petty Officer James Clemens, officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Umpqua River, Rear Adm. Richard Gromlich, commander of the Coast Guard 13th District and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft, salute while the National Anthem is played during the Station Umpqua River change-of-command ceremony in Winchester Bay, Ore., July 10, 2015.
The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that signifies total transfer of authority and responsibility.
U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class George Degener.
Rear Adm. Richard Gromlich, commander of the Coast Guard 13th District, presents the meritorious service medal to Master Chief Petty Officer James Clemens, officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Umpqua River, in honor of his service prior to Station Umpqua River’s change-of-command ceremony in Winchester Bay, Ore., July 10, 2015.
Clemens’ retirement ceremony followed the change-of-command ceremony, celebrating his more than 30 years of Coast Guard Service.
U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class George Degener.
Rear Adm. Richard Gromlich, commander of the Coast Guard 13th District, looks on as Master Chief Petty Officer James Clemens (left), outgoing officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Umpqua River, shakes hands with Senior Chief Petty Officer David Pierias, incoming officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Umpqua River, during the station’s change-of-command ceremony, in Winchester Bay, Ore.,, July 10, 2015.
Station Umpqua River personnel have performed search and rescue operations along the Oregon coast since 1891.
U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class George Degener.
Senior Chief Petty Officer David Pierias, officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Umpqua River, in Winchester Bay, Ore., addresses the crowd after assuming command during the station’s change-of-command ceremony, in Winchester Bay, July 10, 2015.
Pierias’ previous assignment was as officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay, Ore.
U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class George Degener.
WINCHESTER BAY, Ore – Senior Chief Petty Officer David Pierias relieved Master Chief Petty Officer James Clemens as officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Umpqua River, Friday.
Pierias’ previous assignment was as officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay.
“Master Chief Clemens certainly left some big shoes to fill,” said Pierias. “I’m looking forward to building on the excellent relationship between the station and the local community, and maintaining the standard of excellence with our operations.”
Clemens’ retirement ceremony followed the change-of-command ceremony, celebrating 30 years of Coast Guard service. Clemens also relinquished the title of Ancient Keeper, which is presented to an active duty Coast Guardsman in recognition of their longevity in command of a boat force unit and outstanding performance in boat operations.
“The sum of my career can be seen in the people who I’ve had an influence on,” said Clemens. “I believe Station Umpqua River is one of the finest units with one of the best crews in the entire Coast Guard.”
Station Umpqua River began operations in 1891. In 1939, a new station was built near the Umpqua River Lighthouse with a boathouse and pier in Winchester Bay. In 1964 the present station was constructed to modernize and consolidate operations at one site.