Change of Watch: Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
Friday, May 21, 2010
Written by: Christopher Lagan
Master Chief Petty Officer Skip Bowen is relieved by Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Leavitt as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard as Admiral Thad Allen presides over the Change of Watch. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Earlier today, Admiral Thad Allen presided over the second of three change of watch ceremonies that will culminate in the Commandant Change of Command ceremony as the Coast Guard bids welcome to a new leadership team.
During today’s Change of Watch, Master Chief Michael Leavitt relieved Master Chief Skip Bowen as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard(MCPOCG). The MCPOCG is the most senior enlisted member of the Coast Guard and reports directly to the Commandant of the Coast Guard as a personal advisor and assistant in matters affecting the enlisted members of the Coast Guard, both active and reserve, and their families.
“Master Chief Leavitt has demonstrated his commitment to our core values by his outstanding performance during a 28-year Coast Guard career,” said Vice Admiral David Pekoske in an all-hands message to the men and women of the Coast Guard. “Based on his professional knowledge, commitment to the entire workforce, and dedication to the service, he will be a great addition to the Coast Guard senior leadership team.”
Upon relieving the watch, MCPO Leavitt became the eleventh MCPO-CG in Coast Guard history. MCPO Bowen had held the position since 2006.
“I thank Master Chief Bowen for his 32-years of exceptional military service to the Coast Guard and the nation,” VADM Pekoske continued in his message. “Throughout his tenure, he elevated the core values of the service to new heights in the eyes of our external stakeholders. As a leader, he epitomized the Guardian Ethos.”
The change-of-watch ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a formal custom that is designed to strengthen the respect of authority, which is vital to any military organization. The climax of the ceremony is reached when both members read their orders, face one another, salute and transfer responsibility of the command. This also provides the entire command with the knowledge that the member directed by proper authority is taking command and is an opportunity to witness this transfer of responsibility.
Check back Monday for a post on the change of watch for the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard. And, check back next Tuesday (May 25) for the Change of Command Ceremony as Admiral Robert J. Papp becomes the 24th Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Comments
Leave a Comment
We welcome your comments on postings at all Coast Guard sites/journals. These are sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard to provide a forum to talk about our work providing maritime safety, security and stewardship for the American people to secure the homeland, save lives and property, protect the environment, and promote economic prosperity.
The information provided is for public information only and is not a distress communication channel. People in an emergency and in need of Coast Guard assistance should use VHF-FM Channel 16 (156.8 MHz), dial 911, or call their nearest Coast Guard unit.
All comments submitted are moderated. The Coast Guard retains the discretion to determine which comments it will post and which it will not. We expect all contributors to be respectful. We will not post comments that contain personal attacks of any kind; refer to Coast Guard or other employees by name; contain offensive terms that target specific ethnic or racial groups, or contain vulgar language. We will also not post comments that are spam, are clearly off topic, or that promote services or products.
The U.S. Coast Guard disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from any comments posted on this page. This forum may not be used for the submission of any claim, demand, informal or formal complaint, or any other form of legal and/or administrative notice or process, or for the exhaustion of any legal and/or administrative remedy.
If you have specific questions regarding a U.S. Coast Guard program that involves details you do not wish to share publicly please contact the program point of contact listed at http://www.uscg.mil/global/mail/
The U.S. Coast Guard will not collect or retain Personally Identifiable Information unless you voluntarily provide it to us. To view the U.S. Coast Guard’s Privacy Policy, please visit: http://www.uscg.mil/global/disclaim.asp
Please note: Anonymous comments have been disabled for this journal. It is preferred that you use your real name when posting a comment. WE WILL POST THE NAME YOU ENTER WHEN YOU SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT. Also, you are welcome to use Open ID or other user technologies that may be available.
I was fortunate enough to attend the change of watch and retirement ceremony for Master Chief Bowen. It was a great ceremony that honored both men. I was lucky enough to serve as Master Chief Bowen’s XPO on the USCGC Point Turner in the 90’s. The Coast Guard has lost a great leader. Enjoy retirement Master Chief!
[...] Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard – A 28-year career in the Coast Guard has prepared Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michale Leavitt to execute his duties. He will serve as the most senior enlisted member of the [...]