Change of command ceremonies are a time to look forward and back, and a celebration of teamwork across all of the U.S. Coast Guard’s members, both military and civilian.
On July 17, 2025, Coast Guard Auxiliarists Edward Little, Daniel Shane and Oscar Gallo of Flotilla 12 in Long Beach joined the crew of the Newport Beach-based 87-foot Marine Protector-class coastal patrol cutter Narwhal in welcoming Lt.j.g. Jake Monson as commanding officer, and seeing off Lt. Annabella Farabaugh.
Lt. Farabaugh will be assigned to the Force Design 2028 team. Cutter commanding officers are generally assigned for two years, then move on to other posts within the Coast Guard.
Captain Stacey Crecy, sector commander for Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach, presided over the formal portion of the change of command program, during which the incoming commanding officer was given responsibility for both the vessel and command of its crew. The time-honored maritime change of command ceremony originated during the age of sail, possible dating to Roman times, when the formal handover’s legal authorization was made clear to the crew, and the new commander had inspected the vessel and accepted responsibility for it.
As a major augmentors to the Coast Guard’s mission, Auxiliarists are frequently invited to formal Coast Guard events such as change of command ceremonies. Their expertise in local knowledge and recreational boating helps cutter commanders by assisting with such duties as community events and boating safety outreach programs. As Narwhal patrols Southern California waters, Auxiliarists can be called upon to assist with such tasks as search and rescue missions and providing interpreters and even trained culinary assistants.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard B. Uranga photographed the event at Narwhal’s base in Newport Beach’s Corona del Mar neighborhood. In the group photo, Auxiliarist Little is fourth from left, Shane is seventh from left, and Gallo is on the right.
