SEATTLE — U.S. Coast Guard Northwest District held a change of command ceremony at Base Seattle, Friday.
Rear Adm. Arex Avanni assumed the duties and responsibilities of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Northwest District Commander from Rear Adm. Charles Fosse.
Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, acting commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West, presided over the ceremony.
Avanni now assumes responsibility for all Coast Guard operations throughout the Northwest region which encompasses the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. This area includes more than 4,400 miles of coastline, 600 miles of inland waterways, and a 125 nautical mile international border with Canada. He was previously the Deputy Director of Operations for Headquarters, U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Fosse, who took command of the Northwest District in August 2023, is transferring to Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he will serve as the Deputy Commandant for Personnel Readiness and Chief Human Capital Officer.
“It's been an honor to serve the people of Coast Guard’s Northwest District over the past two years," said Fosse. "The women and men who make up the Coast Guard here are absolute professionals who have worked tirelessly to rescue mariners in distress, safeguard our environment, and enforce maritime law at sea. This tour has been one of the most rewarding of my career."
"I am excited to be the commander for the Coast Guard's beautiful Northwest District,” said Avanni. “I know our service members here are maritime experts that will continue to keep the American public safe, protect our natural resources, and remain ready to answer the call when disaster strikes."
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.