Coast Guard Port Security Unit 312 to hold change-of-command ceremony

united states coast guard 

News Release  

June 7, 2019
U.S.
Coast Guard Pacific Area
Contact: Coast Guard Pacific Area Public Affairs
(650) 808-2802
Pacific Area online newsroom

Coast Guard Port Security Unit 312 to hold change-of-command ceremony

U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Nathan Moore, deputy commander Pacific Area, speaks with service members assigned to Port Security Unit 312 during the unit’s deployment to Port Hueneme, California, in support of the Department of Defense-led Pacific Blitz 2019 exercise, March 7, 2019. The Coast Guard and our fellow sea services are globally postured to secure our homeland and protect our citizens from direct attack and to advance our interests around the world. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi
U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Nathan Moore, deputy commander Pacific Area, speaks with service members assigned to Port Security Unit 312 during the unit’s deployment to Port Hueneme, California, in support of the Department of Defense-led Pacific Blitz 2019 exercise, March 7, 2019. The Coast Guard and fellow sea services are globally postured to secure our homeland and protect our citizens from direct attack and to advance our interests around the world. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew S. Masaschi

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Coast Guard Port Security Unit 312 is scheduled to hold a change-of-command ceremony at 11 a.m. June 8 at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Kirk W. Jorgensen will be relieved by Cmdr. David J. Cripe, and Capt. Laura D. Collins, commander of Pacific Area Operations, will preside over the ceremony. 

Following the ceremony, Rear Adm. Michael Seward (retired) will preside over a retirement ceremony for Jorgensen, who served a combined 25 years with the U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps. 

A change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that is important to the transfer of command. The formality of the occasion is an acknowledgement of respect for authority, which is vital to a military organization. The ceremony represents more than just the relief of one commanding officer by another – it is the transfer of absolute authority and responsibility for a military unit of the United States and its assigned missions.

PSU 312 is a deployable specialized force under control of the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area command.  The unit was established in August 2005 and moved to thier permanent home, located at Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, in November 2006. PSUs provide waterborne security and limited land-based protection for shipping lanes and critical port facilities that support United States military and humanitarian relief operations.  These specialized deployable units are organized for sustained expeditionary operations. Once in theater, PSUs can establish operations within 24 hours and are self-sufficient for up to 15 days with the exception of fuel and water.

Cripe grew up in San Jose and has a Master of Science degree from California State University, Los Angeles.  He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserve in 2002 and received his commission in 2003. Cripe’s Coast Guard career assignments include Marine Safety Office San Francisco, Station Monterey, Sector San Francisco,and Pacific Area.  Cripe previously served as PSU 312’s engineer officer and most recently served as the executive officer at PSU 311, completing multiple deployments to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Additionally, Cripe served as a planning section chief for the Pacific Area Incident Management Assist Team and deployed in support of the Cosco Busan oil spill, Hurricane Ike, Dubai Star oil spill, Tropical Storm Felicia, Haiti earthquake and Hurricane Sandy. 

Cripe’s military awards include a Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hourglass, National Defense Service Medal and a Volunteer Service Medal, as well as multiple unit and service awards.  He has earned the PSU, Boat Forces and Marine Safety insignias; and was selected as the 2008 Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year.

In his civilian career, Cripe is a marine inspector and commercial fishing vessel safety examiner for Sector San Francisco. 

Those interested in more information regarding PSU 312, please contact Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Rangle at (650) 808-2802.

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