U.S. Coast Guard hosts change of command ceremony in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Cmdr. Staci Rutsch was relieved as a commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Forward during a change of command ceremony in Portsmouth on Wednesday.

U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Andrew Grantham relieved Rutsch as commanding officer during the ceremony on Coast Guard Base Portsmouth.

Capt. Brian Anderson, Coast Guard Atlantic Area chief of operations, presided over the event.
Grantham previously served as the executive assistant to the director at the Coast Guard Civil Rights Directorate.

“It is an honor to serve with Forward’s crew and conduct complex global missions that ensure the maritime safety, security and prosperity of the United States,” said Grantham. “I am excited to do this rewarding work alongside this exceptional crew.”

Rutsch served as the commanding officer of Forward from August 2022 to May 2024. Rutsch’s next assignment is at Atlantic Area, as the chief of the Contingency Operations Branch.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside the dedicated crew of Forward,” said Rutsch. “Their unwavering commitment to duty and excellence has been truly inspiring. I have full confidence in their continued success in fulfilling the Coast Guard’s vital missions.”

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