Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) holds change-of-command ceremony
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Keith M. Ropella, outgoing commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10), receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, during a change-of-command ceremony in Vallejo, California, July 8, 2024. Ropella served as Polar Star's commanding officer from July 2022 to July 2024. He will be transitioning to Coast Guard Cutter Headquarters in Washington, D.C., to serve as the chief of cutter forces. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Graves)