U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy Holds Change of Command

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

05.19.2019

Story by NAVCENT Public Affairs    

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

The U.S. Coast Guard Island-class patrol boat USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326) held a change of command ceremony on the Naval Support Activity Bahrain waterfront, May 19.

Capt. John Gregg, commodore of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), presided over the ceremony where Lt. Andrew Corwell was relieved by Lt. Drew Ferraro as commanding officer of the Monomoy.

During Gregg’s remarks he described Monomoy’s endless perseverance.

“When I think about Mr. Corwell and his crew,” said Gregg. “What comes to mind is how they always faced adversity as a team. Not once did I hear any frustration in the commanding officer’s voice. They focused their attention on the issue at hand and worked the problem as a team.”

He continued to say that although sometimes the challenges they faced seemed relentless, the Monomoy crew was more persistent.

Corwell made his way to the stage and gave an emotional farewell message to his crew.

“As my final chapter aboard Monomoy comes to a close, it is bittersweet and I will be forever grateful for the privilege I have been afforded to lead the dedicated warriors aboard Monomoy over the last year,” said Corwell. “I am honored to call you shipmates.”

Ferraro accepted command of Monomoy, thanked Corwell for welcoming him to Bahrain and addressed his new crew.

“I’m both thrilled and humbled to be here,” said Ferraro. “This is a unique place, and a very unique time. After spending the last two weeks with this ship and crew, there’s one thing I know, and we can all know for certain: Monomoy will be ready to answer her nation’s call, anytime, anywhere.”

The change of command was held on the 30th anniversary of Monomoy’s commissioning, May 19, 1989.

PATFORSWA is the Coast Guard's largest unit outside of the U.S. and has played a key role in maritime security and maritime infrastructure protection operations with U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. PATFORSWA is comprised of six 110-foot cutters, shore side support personnel, Advanced Interdiction teams, and a Maritime Engagement Team operating throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

• Date Taken: 05.19.2019
• Date Posted: 05.21.2019 04:26
• Story ID: 323207
• Location: MANAMA, BH