News Summary
A significant change of command ceremony was held at Port Tampa Bay, where Capt. Courtney A. Sergent officially took command of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, relieving Capt. Michael P. Kahle. The event, presided over by Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, emphasized the importance of leadership and the ongoing mission of maritime safety and security. Capt. Kahle, who dedicated 25 years to the Coast Guard, expressed gratitude for his team’s commitment to safeguarding citizens and the environment as he retires. Capt. Sergent aims to uphold the high standards set by her predecessor.
St. Petersburg, FL – A change of command ceremony was held at Port Tampa Bay, marking a leadership transition at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg. Capt. Courtney A. Sergent has officially taken command, relieving Capt. Michael P. Kahle of his duties as commanding officer.
The ceremony was presided over by Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District. This significant event emphasizes the importance of leadership within the Coast Guard and the ongoing mission to ensure maritime safety and security.
Capt. Kahle, who has dedicated 25 years to the Coast Guard, expressed gratitude during the ceremony for the collaboration he experienced with federal, state, and local partners throughout his tenure. He highlighted the commitment of Florida-based Coast Guard crews in working tirelessly to safeguard citizens and protect the environment. Capt. Kahle is retiring from military service after an extensive career in the Coast Guard, with his leadership guiding Sector St. Petersburg during critical operations that fostered the safety and prosperity of the western Florida region.
Capt. Sergent expressed her gratitude and honor in assuming the role of Sector Commander and Captain of the Port. She acknowledges the high expectations set by Capt. Kahle and aims to uphold the exceptional work previously accomplished by his team in further enhancing the safety and security of the ports and waterways under her command.
Before taking on this pivotal role, Capt. Sergent served as the deputy commander at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, where she gained valuable experience that will aid her in her new responsibilities. The change of command ceremony not only represents a shift in leadership but also signifies the transfer of total responsibility and authority over the sector’s operations.
Sector St. Petersburg, one of the largest commands in the Coast Guard, oversees more than 400 nautical miles of coastline along Florida’s west coast. This area is crucial for both safety and commerce, with the Port of Tampa being the third largest U.S. port for domestic trade and ranking 12th nationwide in total trade volume. The strategic position of this sector underscores the importance of effective leadership and reliable operations to maintain efficient and secure maritime activities.
As Capt. Sergent steps into her new role, she aims to build on the solid foundation established by her predecessor, ensuring continued progress in safeguarding life at sea and protecting the local marine environment. Her leadership will be essential in addressing the challenges and responsibilities faced by the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg as it navigates the complexities of maritime security and the demands of commercial shipping in one of the country’s busiest ports.
This transition marks a new chapter for both Capt. Sergent and the Sector St. Petersburg, fostering an enduring commitment to maritime safety and operational excellence.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY News: U.S. Coast Guard Hosts Change of Command Ceremony in Portsmouth
- CNN: Trump Admin Removes Coast Guard Leader
- St. Pete Catalyst: St. Pete Honors Its Coast Guard
- Patch: Coast Guard’s Busiest Air Station U.S. Under New Commanding Officer
- WKRG: Coast Guard Cutter Diligence Holds Change of Command Ceremony in Pensacola
- Wikipedia: U.S. Coast Guard
