SAVANNAH, Ga. — Coast Guard Air Station Savannah’s crew conducted a change-of-command ceremony, Friday, at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah.
During the ceremony, Capt. Maegan Schwartz transferred command of Coast Guard Air Station Savannah to Cmdr. Zachary Wiest.
Rear Adm. Adam A. Chamie, commander, Southeast Coast Guard District, presided over the ceremony.
Schwartz took command of Air Station Savannah in June 2024. During this time, she oversaw the execution of 232 search and rescue cases, saving 46 lives. Schwartz commanded operations during hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton with nine deployed aircraft crews. She also directed the lone Coast Guard aircraft crew who responded to North Carolina’s historic flooding.
Schwartz’s next assignment will be at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Wiest takes the helm at Air Station Savannah after having previously served as the engineering officer at Air Station Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“I’ve long admired Air Station Savannah’s reputation of excellence,” said Wiest. “It’s the greatest honor of my career to be trusted to lead this team.”
Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, located on Hunter Army Airfield, is responsible for 24/7 search and rescue coverage from the North Carolina-South Carolina border to Melbourne, Florida. The unit operates five MH-65 Dolphin helicopters, with crews staged at Air Station Savannah and Air Facility Charleston, South Carolina. The unit also supports the Rotary Wing Air Intercept mission, enforcing flight restrictions in the Washington, D.C. area and in support of presidential movements. A unit of approximately 115 personnel, the Low Country Lifesavers responded to 91 cases since Oct. 1, 2025, saving 15 lives and assisting 39 more.
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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