BOSTON — A change of command ceremony for the First Coast Guard District was held Thursday at Boston's historic Faneuil Hall.During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Steven D. Poulin, who is a native of Kittery, Maine, assumed responsibilities of commander of the First Coast Guard District, which covers eight states, including more than 2,000 miles of coastline from the U.S., Canadian border to northern New Jersey, and 1,300 miles offshore."Words are inadequate to express how absolutely thrilled I am to have the opportunity to assume command of the First Coast Guard District," said Poulin. "This is where the Coast Guard started so I know I have a special responsibility to uphold the traditions and service of excellence of the long blue lines that came before me."Rear Adm. Linda L. Fagan, who served as First District Commander for the past two years, will continue her Coast Guard career as the Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C.
Fagan said she is eternally grateful for the time she had with her First District staff, and she is humbled by their service and sense of duty.Poulin's previous assignments include the Judge Advocate General and Chief General Counsel of the Coast Guard, and Director of Governmental and Public Affairs.Vice Adm. William "Dean" Lee, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony.The First Coast Guard District includes more than 11,000 active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary personnel, and employs 30 cutters, 200 boats and eight aircraft. In an average year, the First Coast Guard District saves 486 lives, conducts 1,762 search and rescue cases, assists 2,223 people, and safeguards $943,986,077 in property at sea.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that marks a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. The ceremony is conducted before the assembled crew, as well as honored guests and dignitaries, in order to formally demonstrate the continuity of authority within a command.