On Monday, VADM Manson Brown relieved VADM Jody Breckenridge as Commander, Pacific Area and Coast Guard Defense Forces West. I had the distinct honor of presiding over both the Change of Command ceremony and VADM Breckenridge's retirement ceremony. Enduring true Coast Guard weather, the ceremonies proceeded smoothly at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, CA with our newly-commissioned CGC WAESCHE moored bow-to-bow with CGC MORGENTHAU.
The entire Coast Guard thanks VADM Breckenridge for her career of Service to the Coast Guard and the Nation. In addition to her responsibilities in the Pacific Area theater of operations, VADM Breckenridge oversaw continued development of the Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM), the Deployable Operations Group (DOG) and our Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), all National-level commands. Prior to reporting to PAC Area, VADM Breckenridge served simultaneously as the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources and the Director of the Strategic Transformation Team, responsible for synchronizing and aligning the Coast Guard's modernization efforts. Her performance, and the accomplishments of the women and men she has led, have been outstanding.
Congratulations to VADM Breckenridge (Ret.), and best of luck to VADM Brown!
VADM David Pekoske
