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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay conducted a change of command ceremony, Thursday, at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay chapel in St. Marys, Georgia.
During the ceremony, Capt. David Vicks transferred command of Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay to Cmdr. Jeffrey Prebeck.
During the past two years, Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay completed a record number of ballistic missile submarine escort missions amidst personnel shortages that impacted the entire U.S. military since the COVID-19 pandemic. The unit also completed a major restructuring that resulted in the decommissioning of the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutters Sea Dog and Sea Dragon upon the relocation of Sea Devil and Sea Fox from Bangor, Washington to Kings Bay, Georgia.
Vicks is transferring to the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida, where he will serve as a Coast Guard liaison officer.
“The crew of Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay are truly remarkable, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to serve with them and lead them during the past two years,” said Vicks. “Our crew works tirelessly to protect our nation’s most strategic assets and we should be very proud of their accomplishments and commitment to service.”
Prebeck comes to St. Marys from the White House where he held the position of Military Aide to the Vice President.
“My family and I are very thankful for the warm welcome and are excited to call St. Marys home,” said Prebeck. “The mission of Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay is unique and strategically vital. I am looking forward to leading this impressive team during the coming years.”
Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay is a unique, focused-mission unit that supports the Navy's efforts to provide anti-terrorism and force protection for its Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and to assist in meeting its Presidential mandates for nuclear weapons security.
The change of command ceremony marks a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. It is a time-honored tradition, conducted before the assembled crew, as well as honored guests and dignitaries to formally demonstrate the continuity of the authority within a command.
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