Chief Warrant Officer Hank H. Deatrich took command of the 87-foot Marine Protector-Class Patrol Boat from Chief Warrant Officer Chad P. Lynch in a traditional military ceremony held under the direction of Cmdr. Thomas Evans, the commanding officer of Maritime Force Protection Unit (MFPU) Bangor.
Lynch served as the commanding officer for the Sea Fox from May 2015 through July 2018 and oversaw all vessel operations and the execution of over 140 maritime escorts. He was instrumental in maintaining safety and security of operations while contributing to significant facility improvements for the unit. After the change of command ceremony, Lynch will be transferring to MFPU Bangor where he will assume the role of Boat Division Officer. In this position, he will be responsible for the management of over 50 Coast Guard personnel and numerous Coast Guard small boats.
Deatrich joined the Coast Guard in August 2002 and has enjoyed a distinguished career serving aboard various Coast Guard cutters and Coast Guard stations. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy as well as the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership and Chief Warrant Officer Professional Development courses. His most recent assignment was in Alameda, California, aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Munro.
Commissioned on September 18, 2009, the Sea Fox is homeported in Silverdale and conducts naval submarine escorts. Active duty Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Sea Fox are specially trained and equipped to conduct these escorts, supporting the U.S. Coast Guard statutory mission of providing port, waterway and coastal security.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Coast Guard and naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command and the cutter.