HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Unit at the United States Indo-Pacific Command (CGRU USINDOPACOM) held a change of command ceremony, Thursday, on the historic USS Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Rear Adm. Joanna Hiigel, deputy commander for Coast Guard Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Sara Moser relieved Capt. Scott Wolland as CGRU USINDOPACOM’s commanding officer. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and formal ritual conducted before the assembled company of a command to confirm to the unit’s men and women that the authority of command is maintained. The ceremony is a transfer of total responsibility, authority, and accountability from one individual to another.
CGRU USINDOPACOM is a unique joint unit, in which members are integrated throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific combatant command, providing leadership, expertise, and support to the joint force. The personnel at this unit highlight the vital role the Coast Guard performs in the joint force to ensure the nation’s security.
Wolland served as CGRU USINDOPACOM’s commanding officer from June 2023 to June 2025. Under Wolland’s leadership, CGRU USINDOPACOM played a crucial role in advancing America’s national security interest in the Indo-Pacific. The unit received accolades for its support to Exercises Keen Edge, Pacific Sentry, and the Rim of the Pacific. In addition, staff officers provided immense value during bilateral discussions with Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Thailand, and during other USINDOPACOM conferences and events, such as the annual Posture Conference, which focus on capital investments throughout the Indo-Pacific.
“I’ve been a part of some amazing units and amazing teams over my career,” said Wolland. “I’m proud of how well this unit punches above its weight class and continues to reflect the talent and devotion to duty of the Coast Guard Reserve. We are always in constant demand and that is because of this crew.”
Moser reports to CGRU USINDOPACOM after serving as the senior reserve advisor and emergency preparedness liaison program manager for the Officer of Emergency Management and Disaster Response in Washington D.C. Moser previously served as the reserve chief of staff for the Thirteenth Coast Guard District, the senior reserve officer at Sector Puget Sound, and at the Pacific Area Reserve Incident Management and Assistance Team.
This change of command also marks the retirement of Wolland. For over 33 years, he served at a wide variety of Coast Guard units as both an enlisted port securityman and as a commissioned officer. As the reserve leader at multiple units, including assignments as both senior reserve officer and commanding officer, Wolland has led by prioritizing the performance and well-being of his crew. He looks forward to focusing on his civilian Coast Guard career, pursuing his passion for hunting and fishing, and spending time with family in Virginia.