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SAN DIEGO — U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Petrel and Sea Otter received new officers-in-charge during a unique dual change-of-command ceremony held in San Diego Thursday morning.
During the ceremony, command of the Petrel was transferred from Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher Swiatek to Master Chief Petty Officer John Bowen. Command of the Sea Otter was transferred from Bowen to Swiatek.
Capt. Sean Mahoney, commander of Sector San Diego, presided over the ceremony.
The Petrel and Sea Otter are 87-foot Marine Protector Class Patrol Boats that were commissioned in 2002 and 2005, respectively. Their crews patrol the waters from the Unites States/Mexico border to Los Angeles and offshore up to 200 nautical miles, where they carry out their primary missions of search and rescue, homeland security, and law enforcement
The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition deeply rooted in Coast Guard and Naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command from one individual to another.