Coast Guard Cutter Reliance to hold change of command at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Cmdr. Michael L. Gatlin will relieve Cmdr. Gregory A. Burg as commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Reliance during a change of command ceremony at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, N.H., July 20, 2010 at 10 a.m.

Cmdr. Burg assumed command of the Reliance in July of 2008 and has served as the commanding officer for two years. He ensured mission success and safety during five patrols covering the waters of New England to the Southern Caribbean. He also oversaw execution of a critical nine-month, $9 million dry-dock to complete the Mission Effectiveness Project.

Cmdr. Gatlin is arriving from the Coast Guard Cutter Munro where he served as the executive officer. The Munro is Gatlin’s seventh afloat assignment.

Capt. Joseph Sinnett, chief of operations response branch Atlantic Area, will preside over the ceremony.

The Change of Command is a time-honored tradition that ensures the continuity of command. It is a formal ceremony conducted before the entire crew. The ceremony marks the transfer of total responsibility, authority, and accountability for the air station and the accomplishment of its assigned mission. It is conducted according to a formally prescribed ritual, to honor and maintain traditions of the service.

Representatives of the media are invited to attend the change of command ceremony. Please advise the Public Affairs Office with the names of those media representatives wishing to attend. Your RSVP to (207) 438-1140 should be received by 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20.

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