Coast Guard Station Miami Beach to hold change-of-command ceremony

MIAMI - A change-of-command ceremony is scheduled for Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, Fla., Saturday at 6 p.m. at Base Support Unit Miami, 100 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach, Fla.

Lt. Joseph B. Abeyta, former division chief, cutter boats office of boat forces at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., will assume the responsibilities of command from Lt. John M. Corbett, as commanding officer of Station Miami Beach.

Station Miami Beach protects the world's largest ship industry accounting for more than 800 port calls and 3.5 million passengers a year.

During Corbett's tenure, Station Miami Beach crewmembers responded to more than 681 search-and-rescue cases, saved 50 lives, saved or assisted $11.5 million in property and conducted nearly 1,716 law-enforcement boardings. Station crewmembers issued 178 manattee-enforcement violations, prosecuted nearly 43 law-enforcement cases, interdicted 150 illegal migrants, seized 15 vessels, and arrested five persons on narcotic charges.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by the rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a custom that is formal and following military protocol, is designed to strengthen the respect for the continuity of command and is vital to any military organization.

Editors Note: Media representatives are invited to attend the event. Media must be at the Coast Guard base no later than 5:45 p.m. to be escorted on base. For more information, contact Chief Petty Officer Ashley Sikes at 305-535-4469.

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