Coast Guard Cutter Kodiak Island holds change of command

KEY WEST, Fla. -- Members from Coast Guard Cutter Kodiak Island stand at attention during a change-of-command ceremony where Lt. Matthew Rooney relieved Lt. Christopher Pasciuto Thursday July 1, 2010. A military unit's change of command is a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another. ). U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme.

KEY WEST, Fla.-- Lieutenant Christopher Pasciuto, (second from the left) renders a salute while the national anthem is played during change-of-command ceremony of Coast Guard Cutter Kodiak Island Thursday July 1, 2010 in Key West. Pasciuto is joined by Capt. Pat DeQuattro (far left), commander, Coast Guard Sector Key West, Lt. Matthew Rooney (second from the right) on coming Commanding Officer USCGC Kodiak Island and Chaplain Doughlas Grace (far right). U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme.

KEY WEST, Fla. -- Coast Guard Sector Key West conducted a change of command ceremony Thursday at 10 a.m. for the Coast Guard Cutter Kodiak Island, homeported in Key West.

Lt. Matthew Rooney relieved command of the Kodiak Island from Lt. Christopher Pasciuto during a time-honored, traditional change of command ceremony.

In his opening remarks, Capt. Pat DeQuattro, commander, Coast Guard Sector Key West, said of Pasciuto, “You’ve held the highest standards for yourself and for your crew. Lt. Pasciuto’s willingness to adapt to any situation has been a trademark of his time aboard the Kodiak.”

Receiving the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Pasciuto was honored for his service and the performance of his duty as Kodiak Island's commanding officer.

Pasciuto, a native of Swampscott, Mass., received his commission in the Coast Guard in 2001 after he graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation.

Under Pasciuto’s exceptional seamanship and leadership, the Kodiak Island conducted many law enforcement and search and rescue cases, including caring for and processing more than 100 migrants attempting to illegally enter the U.S.

Rooney is reporting from the Coast Guard Cutter Maui, a 110-foot cutter operating in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Rooney served as the commanding officer.

Rooney, a native of Wallingford, Conn., received his commission in the Coast Guard in 2001 after he graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with A Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation.

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