N 26 May 2016 the First Coast
Guard District conducted a
Change of Command at Faneuil Hall in Boston for Commander Linda Fagan. The historic meeting hall was a fitting location for this time-honored tradition of passing responsibility for command. A reception was held back at Base Boston.
Outgoing Commander Rear Admiral Fagan was recognized by Vice Admiral William "Dean" Lee, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, for her outstanding leadership for the two years she was Commander of the First Coast Guard District. He cited many accomplishments achieved under RADM Fagan. More importantly, he recognized that she is "not only an outstanding officer, but also an outstanding mother, daughter and leader."
In her farewell speech, RADM Fagan thanked all of D1 for the outstanding support and efforts throughout her assignment. She specifically thanked the Auxiliary for their tremendous devotion to duty and the support they provided to active duty, as well as reserve units across the District.
RADM Fagan showed the attendees the baseball cap gifted to her at the recent
D-Train, designed with both the Red Sox
and Yankee logos. She mentioned that, while she is a native of Massachusetts, she appreciates the fact that her responsibilities included New York and New Jersey.
In his address, incoming Commander RADM Steven D. Poulin was quick to point out that he was born in D1, in Kittery, Maine, and indicated just how special it will be assuming Command of D1. He is fully aware of the importance of the District in terms of commerce, recreational boating, and security of the major ports.
RADM Poulin was extremely complimentary of RADM Fagan, stating that he was honored to be following her and the great work she has done the past two years.
The Auxiliary was "front and center" as members of the Honor Platoon, which numbered nineteen and included Active Duty, Reservists, Auxiliarists, and Civilians. As Platoon Commander Captain Robinson told us, "I want us to be intermingled along the line. We are one team, one mission."
Current Auxiliary leadership from D1SR was also present, including District Commodore Alex Malewski, District Chief of Staff Gus Formato and Immediate Past Commodore Vincent Pica. They joined dozens of other members of the Auxiliary from across D1NR and D1SR.
Russell Gasdia FSO-PA 07-04
Member of Change of Command Honor Platoon
O
OVER THE BOW Summer 2016