United States Coast Guard, Station Crisfield - Change of Command

Creed of the United States Coast Guardsman ~ VADM Harry G. Hamlet, USCG

"I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman.

I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world.

I never, by word or deed, will bring reproach upon the fair name of my service, nor permit others to do so unchallenged.

I will cheerfully and willingly obey all lawful orders.

I will always be on time to relieve, and shall endeavor to do more, rather than less, than my share.

I will always be at my station, alert and attending to my duties.

I shall, so far as I am able, bring to my seniors solutions, not problems.

I shall live joyously, but always with due regard for the rights and privileges of others.

I shall endeavor to be a model citizen in the community in which I live.

I shall sell life dearly to an enemy of my country, but give it freely to rescue those in peril.

With God’s help, I shall endeavor to be one of His noblest Works..."

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On June 28, I had the privileged of covering the Change of Command ceremonies at the USCG Station Crisfield, where my husband is an member of the auxiliary. Here are a few photos from the event, not in order.

 Guardsmen prepare for the presentation of the colors.

Executive Officer addresses Guardsmen and guests.

Guardsmen and Auxiliary members salute the colors. 

Guardsmen listen to speakers at the Change of Command ceremony.

 Guardsmen stand at parade rest.

Guardsmen bow their heads during the Invocation by LCDR James Goodbow, District Five Chaplain.

Guest Speaker Captain Mark O'Malley Sector Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Baltimore.

From left, LCDR James Goodbow, District Five Chaplain, incoming Chief  Coast Guard Station Crisfield, BMCS Benjamin W. Huber, outgoing Chief BOSN2 Christopher G. Gempp, and guest speaker Captain Mark O'Malley, Sector Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Baltimore.

BOSN2 Christopher G. Gempp, left, receives a citation from Captain Mark O'Malley,  Sector Commander Baltimore.

BMCS Banjamin W. Huber, left, salutes the Executive Officer as he takes command of the Crisfield Station.

Outgoing Chief Gempp and incoming Chief Huber perform a ceremonial inspection.

Crisfield Auxiliary members, from left, Jim Schmitt, Bill Jeremiah, Larry Hancock, and Salisbury Auxiliary member Jim Ruark.

BMCS Benjamin W. Huber speaks to Guardsmen and guests after taking command of U.S.C.G. Crisfield Station.

From left, BMCS Benjamin W. Huber, Captain Mark O'Malley, and BOSN2 Christopher G. Gempp.

Members of the Maryland State Patrol and the Department of Natural Resources attended the event.

Officials from the Somerset County Sheriff's Department and Maryland State Patrol attended the C.O.C.

Guardsmen secure the colors after the COC ceremony.

Guests and Guardsmen enjoyed a buffet after the ceremony.

BOSN2 Gempp peers from a window.

BOSN2 Christopher Gempp shows off the plaque presented to him by the Crisfield Station.

Hugs were in order.

 Flotilla 12-03 Auxiliary Commander Bill Jeremiah

BMCS Benjamin Huber poses for the camera with his family.  Welcome to Crisfield.

I am America's Maritime Guardian.
I serve the citizens of the United States.
I will protect them.
I will defend them.
I will save them.
I am their shield.
For them I am Semper Paratus.
I live the Coast Guard Core Values.
I am a Guardian.
We are the United States Coast Guard.

Semper Paratus.