KEY WEST, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754) held a change of command ceremony July 9 in Key West.
Capt. Charles Banks relieved Capt. Thomas Rodzewicz as the eighth commanding officer of the James during the ceremony, which was presided over by Vice Adm. Jo-Ann Burdian, commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area. Rodzewicz served as the cutter’s commanding officer from July 2024 to July 2026, leading patrols in the Eastern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and finishing his tour in the Caribbean Sea. Rodzewicz oversaw the successful execution of counter-drug operations, seizing over 41,348 kilograms of cocaine and 4,440 pounds of marijuana, totaling a value of $900 million dollars, and defense readiness missions, including a composite training unit exercise with the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group.
“Commanding the James has been the absolute highlight of my time in the Coast Guard,” said Rodzewicz. “The honor of this tour doesn't come from the title but from the privilege of standing the watch alongside such an exceptional and dedicated crew. I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished together for our country.”
Rodzewicz ended his final command-at-sea tour in Key West, where his career first began on the medium-endurance cutter USCGC Thetis (WMEC 910) in 2003. His next assignment will be serving as the response division chief at Coast Guard District East, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Capt. Banks previously served as commanding officer of the Coast Guard cutters Northland, Drummond, and Pea Island. He reports to James from his most recent assignment as the response division chief for Coast Guard District Southeast, headquartered in Miami.
"I am deeply honored to take command of Coast Guard Cutter James. While this cutter’s capabilities are unmatched, it is the dedication of this crew that brings her to life and completes the mission,” said Banks. “Together, we will continue to bring a relentless operational edge to every high-stakes challenge we face in the maritime domain. I look forward to returning to the sea with this exceptional team.”
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that serves to formally demonstrate the continuity of authority within a command in front of the crew and esteemed guests. It marks a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another.
The James is one of four 418-foot Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, under U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command. The cutter’s primary missions are counter-drug operations and defense readiness. For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit GoCoastGuard.com to learn about active duty and reserve as well as officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found here.
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