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Press Release | June 25, 2024

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Coast Guard Sector Virginia to hold change-of-command ceremony 

Editor's note: News media interested in attending the ceremony are requested to RSVP by emailing a list of member’s names to Sian.J.Shields@uscg.mil by 4 p.m., Wednesday. Credentialed media are asked to bring a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance to access the base. It is recommended to arrive at the gate no later than 9 a.m., Thursday, to attend the event. 

PORTSMOUTH, Va.— Coast Guard Sector Virginia is scheduled to hold a Change of Command ceremony on Thursday at 10 a.m., at Sector Virginia.

During the ceremony, Capt. Peggy M. Britton will assume command from Capt. Jennifer A. Stockwell as commander of Sector Virginia.

Who: Adm. Vann, Capt. Stockwell, Capt. Britton 

What:  Sector Virginia Change-of-Command ceremony 

When: Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Where: Coast Guard Sector Virginia, 4000 Coast Guard Blvd. Portsmouth, VA 23703

Capt. Britton was most recently the Deputy Commander of Sector Virginia since June 2022.

Capt. Stockwell has been the commander of Sector Virginia since June 2022 and is retiring after 26 years of active-duty military service.

Sector Virginia is comprised of nearly 530 active duty, civilian, and reservists, along with over 550 Coast Guard Auxiliary members. The sector’s sub-units include six multi-mission boat stations, three 87-foot patrol boats, three aids to navigation teams, and one sector field office.

Its area of responsibility encompasses the Atlantic coast along the entire state of Virginia and all navigable waters including the Chesapeake Bay; the Elizabeth, James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers; the Intracoastal Waterway; and several inland lakes. It also encompasses the Port of Virginia and is the gateway to vessels entering Baltimore and Washington D.C.

The Change-of-Command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that marks a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. The ceremony is conducted in order to formally demonstrate the continuity of authority within a U.S. military command.  

-USCG-