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CHARLESTON, S.C. — The crew of Coast Guard Base Charleston held a change of command ceremony, Thursday, at Founders Hall in Charleston.
During the ceremony, Capt. Eric J. Jones transferred command of Base Charleston to Capt. Matthew V. Kempe.
Amy Graveley, Director of Coast Guard Operational Logistics Command, presided over the ceremony.
Jones served as the commander of Base Charleston since June 2023 and led the effort for Charleston’s designation as the 33rd Coast Guard Community, an achievement that cemented key relationships with community leaders, partners, and celebrated the 230-year partnership with a ceremony attended by over 400 guests.
Jones also oversaw the largest infrastructure investment in modern Coast Guard history. A 10-year, billion-dollar campus buildout, to secure Charleston’s future as the Coast Guard's premier sea-power projection platform and gateway to global Coast Guard operations.
“As a South Carolina native, commanding Base Charleston during such a historic period of growth has been the absolute honor of my career, said Jones. “Together with this world-class crew and the unmatched support of the Lowcountry, we didn't just maintain the watch—we actively laid the foundation to transform Charleston into the Coast Guard's premier operational center of gravity. The future of our service is being built right here, and I could not be prouder to have helped lay that cornerstone.”
Jones’ next assignment will be chief of staff for the Coast Guard’s Operational Logistics Command in Norfolk, Virginia.
Kempe previously served as Base Charleston’s executive officer.
"Assuming command of Base Charleston at the threshold of such a historic expansion is a tremendous privilege,” said Kempe. “We are ushering in a new chapter defined by major investments in our infrastructure and a growing Coast Guard presence in the area. I look forward to leading our team through this transformation and supporting the expanded mission capabilities of our tenant commands.”
With over 281 active duty members, Base Charleston is a key support hub for Coast Guard operations along the Southeast coast, working closely with operational partners. The base provides high-quality service and support to Coast Guard personnel and equipment, ensuring operational mission readiness. Its area of responsibility extends from the South Carolina boarder with North Carolina, to Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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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