MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard Sector New York to hold change-of-command ceremony

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 1st District PA Detachment New York Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment New York Office: (212) 514-4291 After Hours: (917) 703-0983 PA Detachment New York online newsroom

Coast Guard Sector New York to hold change-of-command ceremony

WHO: Capt. Zeita Merchant, incoming commander of Coast Guard Sector New York will assume command from Capt. Jason Tama, outgoing commander of Coast Guard Sector New York.

WHAT:  Sector New York change-of-command ceremony

WHEN: 10 a.m., Friday, May 7

WHERE: Coast Guard Sector New York, 212 Coast Guard Dr, Staten Island, NY, 10305

NEW YORK — Capt. Zeita Merchant is scheduled to relieve Capt. Jason Tama as commander of Coast Guard Sector New York, Friday, during a change-of-command ceremony at Sector New York. 

Rear Adm. Thomas G. Allan Jr., Coast Guard First District commander, is scheduled to preside over the ceremony.

Capt. Merchant is currently the Sector New York deputy commander, a position she has held since May 2020. Capt. Tama will assume the role of Director of Resilience and Response for the National Security Council in Washington, D.C. 

Coast Guard Sector New York is the largest operational field command on the East Coast. The area of responsibility stretches from Sandy Hook, N.J. up the Hudson River to Albany, N.Y. 

The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that marks the transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. It is conducted to demonstrate a continuation of trust and authority within the chain of command. 

Media interested in attending must RSVP with Coast Guard Public Affairs by Thursday at 4 p.m., at (917) 703-0983. All attendees are required to socially distance and wear a face covering at all times. 

-USCG-