Change of Watch: National Commodore of the Coast Guard Auxiliary

Change of Watch: National Commodore of the Coast Guard Auxiliary

Friday, October 29, 2010

Written by: Christopher Lagan

Coast Guard Auxiliary National Commodore Jim Vass and Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard. (USCG photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley)

Earlier today, Admiral Bob Papp presided as Commodore Jim Vass relieved Commodore Nicholas Kerigan as National Commodore of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in a Change of Watch ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters.
“Commodore Vass brings a wealth of experience and exceptional leadership qualities to guide the Auxiliary in meeting demands for their valuable services,” said Papp.
Created by an act of Congress in 1939, the civilian volunteers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary have a proud history of answering the call to support Coast Guard missions including boating safety, search and rescue, and environmental response.

Change of Watch: Outgoing National Commodore Nicholas Kerigan and incoming National Commodore Jim Vass. (USCG photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley)

“The Auxiliary is an amazing all volunteer organization that provides exceptional service to the American people,” said Papp. “They are highly respected members of the Coast Guard family. We could not accomplish our duties without them.”
As National Commodore, Vass will oversee 31,000 Auxiliarists – a volunteer workforce that rivals the Coast Guard itself, who often serve as the only contact a boater will ever have with a member of the service.
“Every flotilla is part of a community, and we take our responsibility to be good neighbors seriously,” said Vass. “We want to be that town’s Coast Guard Auxiliary. We can be a force for positive action, bringing together our partners, customers, and the community every day.”
Congratulations to new Coast Guard Auxiliary National Commodore Jim Vass!