Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star holds change-of-command ceremony

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/10/2026 02:00 PM EDT

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U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area
Contact: Coast Guard Pacific Area Public Affairs
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Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star holds change-of-command ceremony
07/10/2026 01:34 PM EDT

SEATTLE – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) held a change-of-command ceremony on June 29 at Base Seattle. Rear Adm. Jeffrey Novak, deputy commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area and commander of Coast Guard District Southwest, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Justin Vanden Heuvel relieved Capt. Jeffery Rasnake as the Polar Star’s commanding officer.
Coast Guard Capt. Justin O. Vanden Heuvel assumes command of the USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) during the cutter's change-of-command ceremony at Coast Guard Base Seattle, June 29, 2026. Vanden Heuvel previously served as the Leadership Development Center's school chief of command and operations. (US. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrian Sanchez Villa)