MIAMI — The Coast Guard Southeast District staff held a change of command ceremony, Friday, at Florida International University – Biscayne Bay.
Rear Adm. Adam Chamie relieved the duties and responsibilities of the Southeast District Commander and Director of Department of Homeland Security Operation Vigilant Sentry from Rear Adm. Douglas M. Schofield.
Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony.
Schofield was responsible for all Coast Guard operations in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean Basin, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Coast Guard Southeast District encompasses an area of 1.8 million square miles and shares operational borders with 34 foreign nations and territories.
“It's been an honor to serve the Coast Guard’s Southeast District,” said Schofield. “From our collective responses to major hurricanes like Idalia, Helene, and Milton - where the dedication and resilience of our crews shone through - to overseeing hundreds of drug offloads that kept millions in illegal narcotics from reaching our shores, I am continuously inspired by the professionals I worked with throughout the district. I am especially proud of our strengthened maritime border security that was made possible by our partnerships with national, state, and local authorities to heighten our alien deterrence operations. I leave with deep gratitude and full confidence in Southeast's continued success under Rear Adm. Chamie’s leadership.”
Schofield is transferring to Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he will be the Director of Staff, a new position under Force Design 2028.
Chamie comes to the Southeast District from Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he was the Assistant Commandant for Operations Integration and Response Policy.
“It’s an incredible honor to return to a district I consider home and deeply respect,” said Chamie. “I’m humbled to now lead the dedicated men and women of the Southeast District—whose resilience, readiness, and commitment to mission execution are unmatched. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and advancing the Coast Guard’s service to nation in this vital region.”
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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