Photo release: 5th Coast Guard District welcomes new commander

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 08/10/2018 03:13 PM EDT

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U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
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5th Coast Guard District welcomes new commander

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Meredith Austin shakes hands with Rear Adm. Keith Smith during the 5th District change of command ceremony Aug. 10, 2018, in Norfolk, Virginia. Vice Adm. Scott Buschman, Commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Andrew Winz/Released)

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

NORFOLK, Va. – Coast Guard Rear Adm. Keith Smith assumed command of the 5th Coast Guard District from Rear Adm. Meredith Austin during a change of command ceremony Friday.

Smith most recently served as the Commander of Force Readiness Command. He was responsible for supporting operational readiness for operational commanders through training, leadership development, readiness assessments, exercise support and tactics, and techniques and procedures. He is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Homeland Security.

Austin, who served as the 5th District commander since April 2016, will report to Coast Guard Headquarters and assume the responsibilities of the Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and formal ritual that marks the transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.

Vice Adm. Scott Buschman, Commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony.

 

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Keith Smith, the previous commander of Force Readiness Command, addresses the crowd during the 5th District change of command ceremony Aug. 10, 2018, in Norfolk, Virginia. Rear Adm. Keith Smith assumed command of the 5th District from Rear Adm. Meredith Austin during the ceremony. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Trey Clifton/Released)

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Meredith Austin, departing commander of the 5th District, speaks during a change of command ceremony Aug. 10, 2018, in Norfolk, Virginia. Rear Adm. Keith assumed command over the 5th District after serving as the commander of Force Readiness Command. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Shannon Kearney/Released)

Coast Guard color guard present the national and Coast Guard flags during the 5th District change of command ceremony Aug. 10, 2018, in Norfolk, Virginia. Rear Adm. Keith Smith assumed command of the 5th Coast Guard District from Rear Adm. Meredith Austin during the ceremony. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Trey Clifton/Released)

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