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WESLACO, Texas — Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande personnel conducted a formal change-of-command ceremony Thursday in Weslaco, Texas.
During the ceremony, Captain James Carmany transferred command of Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande to Captain Raymond Jackson.
Rear Admiral Will E. Watson, Commander, Heartland Coast Guard District, presided over the ceremony.
Captain Carmany served as the commanding officer of Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande, taking command in February 2026. A 2004 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, seasoned Response Operations and Deployable Specialized Forces leader, and previous commanding officer of Port Security Unit 301, Carmany directed the mobilization, deployment, and sustainment of forces along the U.S. southern border. Under his leadership, in support of Operation River Wall, Coast Guard forces were instrumental in controlling, securing and defending the U.S. southern border.
Captain Carmany’s next assignment will be at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he will serve as the Chief of the Office of Specialized Capabilities.
Captain Jackson takes the helm at Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande after having previously served as the Deputy Assistant Commandant for Operations Integration at Coast Guard Headquarters. A veteran of the Deployable Specialized Forces community, Jackson’s previous commands include Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, Maritime Safety and Security Team Los Angeles/Long Beach, as well as operational service with the Maritime Security Response Team.
“To the men and women of Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande, you are the shield. Your professionalism and grit are the bedrock of this command,” said Captain Jackson. “I am humbled to be entrusted with this responsibility and committed to ensuring you have the tools, training, and support to continue to control, secure, and defend our nation's border. Let's get to work.”
Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande executes overt riverine law enforcement patrols, tactical interdictions, and continuous border security operations along the Rio Grande to deter and disrupt transnational criminal activity. The unit operates in close daily partnership with the U.S. Border Patrol, and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to control, secure, and defend the sovereign southern border of the United States.
The change-of-command ceremony marks a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. It is a time-honored military tradition conducted before the assembled crew, honored guests, and dignitaries to formally demonstrate the continuity of authority within a command.
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