PORT ANGELES — Capt. Richard A. “Tony” Hahn has turned over command of Coast Guard Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles to Cmdr. Keith P. McTigue.
As part of the change-of-command ceremony at the Coast Guard hangar on Ediz Hook on Friday, Hahn led McTigue through an inspection of the unit.
During his remarks later in the ceremony, the new commanding officer said he was impressed by his new crew prior to the ritual.
“The last several days of meeting and working with many of you has only reinforced to me the fleet-wide reputation you have for mission excellence, pride and professionalism,” McTigue said.
“Thank you for the warm welcome, and it is my distinct pleasure and opportunity to serve as your commanding officer. This is a dream job for me.”
Rear Adm. Keith A. Taylor, commander of the 13th Coast Guard District, presided over the invitation-only ceremony.
Taylor praised the qualification of McTigue to maintain the standard set by Hahn.
“I know he is absolutely up to the task,” Taylor said.
McTigue becomes the 39th commanding officer of the Port Angeles Coast Guard Base.
Prior to his appointment, he served as deputy group commander and air station executive officer at Group-Air Station North Bend, Ore., where he oversaw Coast Guard operations and personnel management in central and southern Oregon.
McTigue already appreciates the location of his new post.
“Over the last week, I’ve actually lost count of the number of Coast Guard men and women who said that being here is their dream assignment,” he said.
“I’m amazed at the large percentage of them who never leave or do everything they can to return once their Coast Guard service is complete.
“After our trip to Hurricane Ridge on Wednesday, my family and I are quickly finding out why.
“It’s beautiful, convenient and apparently seems to always be sunny,” he said.
Hahn, who took command of Coast Guard Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles in July 2010, will transfer to Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., to become the chief of the Office of Public Affairs.
Taylor praised Hahn for his leadership, involvement in the community and remembering and honoring the Coast Guard’s history during his tenure.
“Today, this unit is humming,” Taylor said.
“Over the last two years, we stood watch, and we stood watch well.”
Hahn said meeting with community leaders and volunteering in the community quickly transformed tasks he thought were necessary to things to which he looked forward.
“Serving on the board of the United Way [of Clallam County] opened my eyes to challenges we face in the community and really across the nation,” Hahn said.
He expressed appreciation to Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict and Port Angeles Police Chief Terry Gallagher for their support and the Clallam County Veterans Coalition for ensuring veterans are not forgotten.
Hahn said the best part of being commanding officer was the interaction and relationships he developed with his crew, and he devoted much of his talk to thanking them.
He also told them McTigue is worthy to lead them.
“You are getting a phenomenal commanding officer,” Hahn said.
“He’s got incredible experience and expertise leading in some of the toughest environments possible. Please support him in the same way you did to me.
“Keith, you’re getting a great team, and I wish you guys the best.”
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Reporter Lee Horton can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152, or at lee.horton@peninsuladailynews.com.