MIAMI — The crew of Coast Guard Air Station Miami held a change of command ceremony, Friday, at the air station in Opa-Locka.
Capt. Aaron Ortenzio relieved Capt. Eric Smith as commanding officer of Coast Guard Air Station Miami during the ceremony, which was presided over by Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District.
“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve alongside the dedicated men and women of Air Station Miami,” said Smith. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together over the past three years, from responding to Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton; to securing our Southeastern maritime border and expanding US partnerships; to saving lives every day. We have consistently strived for excellence, professionalism, and upheld the highest standards.”
Smith retired after the change of command ceremony after 36 years of service.
“I am excited to return to Air Station Miami, where I served from 2008-2013,” said Ortenzio. “I am honored to be part of such an amazing team of professionals that are supporting national priorities on a daily basis.”
Ortenzio previously served as the Seventh Coast Guard District chief of incident management in Miami.
The change of command ceremony marks the 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 authority within a command.
Air Station Miami is composed of more than 400 active duty, reserve, Auxiliary and civilian personnel, who provide critical mission support to the Seventh Coast Guard District.
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