Vice Adm. Joe Buzzella assumes command of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/31/2026 07:15 PM EDT

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U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area
Contact: Coast Guard Pacific Area Public Affairs
D11-DG-M-PACAREA-PA@uscg.mil
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Vice Adm. Joe Buzzella assumes command of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West
03/31/2026 06:06 PM EDT

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard held a formal assumption of command ceremony for Vice Adm. Joe Buzzella as he assumed the duties and responsibilities of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West Commander during an event Thursday, at Coast Guard Island in Alameda. Adm. Kevin Lunday, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard presided over the ceremony. Senior Coast Guard leadership and distinguished guests joined in recognizing Vice Adm. Buzzella’s commitment to leading the Service.
Adm. Kevin Lunday, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, shakes hands with Vice Adm. Joe Buzzella during an assumption of command ceremony, March 26, 2026, at Coast Guard Island, Alameda, California. The ceremony formally marked Vice Adm. Joe Buzzella as the commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Charlie Valor)