PANAMA CITY — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton (WMSL 753) held a change of command ceremony Wednesday in Panama City, as Capt. John B. McWhite relieved Capt. Justin M. Carter as commanding officer.
Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony. U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Cabrera, attended and gave opening remarks.
Carter served as Hamilton’s commanding officer from June 2023 to July 2025. During his tenure, the ship deployed for a cumulative 316 days and traveled more than 50,000 miles. Under his leadership, Hamilton supported multiple operations, including patrols for U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force South and Homeland Security Task Force Southeast’s Operation Vigilant Sentry.
During Carter’s command, the crew apprehended 40 drug traffickers and seized 20 tons of contraband valued at $326 million.
“It was the honor of my life to lead and serve the Hamilton over the last two years,” said Carter. “I am incredibly proud of the operational successes that this outstanding crew has accomplished in service to nation at sea.”
Carter will transfer to his next assignment in New Orleans for assignment as Coast Guard Heartland District’s Chief of Response.
McWhite takes command after having most recently served as Coast Guard Southeast District’s Chief of Enforcement.
“It is an incredible honor to join the crew of Hamilton, and I look forward to carrying out our missions in support of our nation’s security,” said McWhite.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that formally demonstrates the continuity of authority within a command. The Hamilton is a 418-foot Legend-class National Security Cutter homeported in North Charleston, S.C.
For more information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty, reserve, officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.
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