SEATTLE — Coast Guard Base Seattle held a change of command ceremony on Thursday, July 9, at Coast Guard Base Seattle.
Ms. Amy Graveley, Director, Operational Logistics Command, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Arthur Dehnz relieved Capt. Ryan Murphy as Base Seattle’s commanding officer.
“It is a profound honor to take command of Base Seattle,” said Dehnz. “I look forward to working alongside this dedicated crew and our regional partners to ensure the men and women of the Northwest District have the world-class support they need to execute their vital missions.”
Base Seattle provides Coast Guard mission support within the Northwest District, managing support for 47 shore units, 17 cutters, and more than 70 communication sites. In addition to managing a 40-acre shore plant and waterfront facilities, Base Seattle provides vital medical and dental care, naval engineering, logistics, administration, and work-life programs to active-duty personnel, 10 tenant commands, and units throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“Leading the incredible team at Base Seattle has been a highlight of my career,” said Murphy. “I am immensely proud of the hard work this crew puts in every day to support Coast Guard operations across the Pacific Northwest. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you all for my final tour.”
Following the ceremony, Capt. Murphy retired from the Coast Guard after 25 years of faithful service to the American public.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The passing of colors, standards, or ensigns from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its members are never without official leadership, formally demonstrating the continuity of authority and a continuation of trust.
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