News Release

WASHINGTON — A change of watch ceremony is scheduled for the Command Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force at the Coast Guard Telecommunication Information Service Communication Center Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

During the ceremony, Master Chief Petty Officer Mark H. Allen will assume the responsibilities of the fifth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force from Master Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey D. Smith. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen will preside over the ceremony.

Master Chief Allen's previous assignment was as Reserve Command Master Chief at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fla.

The change-of-watch ceremony is a time-honored event preserved by rich heritage of naval tradition. It is a formal custom that is designed to strengthen the respect of authority, which is vital to any military organization. The climax of the ceremony is reached when both members read their orders, face one another, salute and transfer responsibility of the command. This also provides the entire command with the knowledge that the member directed by proper authority is taking command and is an opportunity to witness this transfer of responsibility.

After the change-of-watch ceremony, a retirement ceremony for Smith will be held. Having served as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force since December 2003, Smith will retire after more than 38 years of Coast Guard service in a ceremony presided by Adm. Allen.

The media is invited to attend and should make arrangements to arrive by 9:45 a.m.  Following the ceremony, Master Chief Petty Officers Smith and Allen will be available for interviews.  Any media wishing to attend should contact Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Dan Tremper at (202) 372-4612 no later than 1 p.m. Friday.  The Coast Guard Telecommunication Information Service Communication Center is located at 7323 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA.