BOSTON - A change of command ceremony for Sector Southeastern New England was held Friday at Nobska Point Lighthouse in Woods Hole.During the event, Capt. Richard J. Schultz, a native of Hyannis, assumed responsibilities as sector commander, which covers southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including more than 3,000 square miles of offshore waters and 1,200 miles of coastline."It is an honor being the next commander at Sector Southeastern New England and getting the opportunity to serve in an area with such a rich Coast Guard heritage," said Schultz. "I look forward to working with the many agency partners, port stakeholders, and maritime communities across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as with the professional men and women of Sector Southeastern New England."Capt. John T. Kondratowicz, who served as sector commander for the past three years will retire from active duty after 36 years of service.Schultz's previous assignments include being deputy sector commander for Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, Coast Guard liaison officer at the Navy Warfare Development Command in Norfolk, Virginia, and the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team.Rear Adm. Steven D. Poulin, commander of Coast Guard First District, presided over the ceremony.Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England includes more than 500 active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary personnel, and employs four cutters and 32 boats. In 2015, Sector Southeastern New England saved 417 lives, assisted 235 lives, conducted 1,533 boardings and inspected 874 commercial vessels.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.