Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless holds change of command ceremony in Pensacola, Florida

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland Contact: 8th District Public Affairs Office: (504) 671-2020 After Hours: (618) 225-9008 Eighth District online newsroom

Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless holds change of command ceremony in Pensacola, Florida

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Cmdr. Paul S. McConnell relieved Cmdr. Timothy C. Sommella as the 28th commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Thursday.

McConnell reported to Dauntless from Coast Guard Cutter John Midgett where he served as the executive officer.  

Sommella will transfer to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Over the last year, the crew of the Dauntless has intercepted nine illegal fishing vessels, interdicted over 441 kilograms of illegal substances, saved over 14 lives, conducted two medical evacuations, inspected over 52 vessels for safety violations, and participated in four search and rescue cases.

The change of command ceremony is a time honored tradition. It represents a total transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability from one individual to another. This event ensures the continuity of leadership and operations within different leadership authorities.

Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless, a 210-foot medium endurance cutter, is homeported in Pensacola, Florida, at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

For more information, please contact Ensign Tess Heimerman at Tess.J.Heimerman@uscg.mil or by calling the cutter at (409) 291-4596

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