PHOTO RELEASE: PATFORSWA holds Change of Command Ceremony

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/19/2018 12:00 PM EDT

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U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area
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PATFORSWA holds Change of Command Ceremony

Vice Adm. Scott A. Buschman, commander Coast Guard Atlantic Area, Capt. John P. Gregg, Capt. Clinton Clinton Carlson, Master Chief Petty Officer James Clarin at the beginning of the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia change of command ceremony Monday, June 28, 2018 held at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. U. S. Coast Guard Maritime Engagement Team and the Lebanese Armed Forces conduct subject matter exchanges Sunday, June 17, 2018 while participating in exercise Resolute Response 2018 in Lebanon. 

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

MANAMA, Bahrain – U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain on June 28, 2018.

Vice Adm. Scott A. Buschman, Coast Guard Atlantic Area commander, presided over the ceremony where Capt. J. Paul Gregg relieved Capt. Clinton S. Carlson as PATFORSWA commodore.

As Gregg takes on the challenge as the new commander, Task Group 55.1, the expertise provided by PATFORSWA continues to evolve with the changing dynamics of the Middle East, emphasizing the flexibility of our crews and our steadfast service motto, Semper Paratus, “Always Ready.”

PATFORSWA is the Coast Guard's largest unit outside of the United States and plays a key role in maritime security, maritime infrastructure protection, theater security cooperation and counter-smuggling operations with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. PATFORSWA is composed of six 110-foot Coast Guard cutters, shore-side support personnel, a Maritime Engagement Team and supports other Coast Guard deployable specialized forces operating throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Since the establishment of PATFORSWA in 2002, Coast Guard capabilities have been in high demand within the CENTCOM area of responsibility, which continues to increase as their expertise is sought to combat counter-smuggling operations through the Combined Maritime Forces and Visit Board Search and Seizure subject matter exchanges.

Leveraging the Coast Guard’s status as a worldwide leader in maritime counter-smuggling, PATFORSWA has shared expertise annually with over 1,500 personnel from over 35 partner countries.  Additionally, PATFORSWA has provided subject matter expert exchanges in other Coast Guard areas of expertise such as Small Boat Operations, Search and Rescue, Damage Control, and Engineering.

Recent counter smuggling successes within CENTCOM by the Royal Australian Navy, Patrol Coastal      Squadron One within CENTCOM and the increase in requests for subject matter expert exchanges by Middle East, AFRICOM, coalition and DOD partners highlight PATFORSWA’s talented professionals. Despite being far-removed from the stateside operations of the day-to-day Coast Guard, PATFORSWA remains: Ready, Relevant, and Responsive.

 

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