The U.S. Coast Guard Friday held a change-of-watch ceremony for the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force at a ceremony aboard Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
Master Chief Petty Officer Eric L. Johnson relieved Master Chief Petty Officer Mark H. Allen.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to serve, the ability to pay back and the chance to make a difference," said Johnson. "The men and women of the Coast Guard Reserve are true heroes and I am humbled to have been selected to the Reserve Force Master Chief position. My thanks goes to Master Chief Mark Allen for his work in setting me up for success, fair winds and following seas. Semper Paratus."
The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force serves as the senior reserve enlisted advisor to the Coast Guard commandant, advising the commandant on workforce policies affecting approximately 8,000 Coast Guard Reserve personnel.
"We Coastguardsmen find before us unique opportunities to take care of our families, achieve our missions and leave things better for those who follow," said Allen. "To do so, we must overcome obstacles. We must engage, collaborate and focus. As Colleen and I stand relieved by Master Chief Eric Johnson and his wife, Valerie, we reflect on how grateful we are: grateful for our shipmates' support and perseverance, and grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside countless dedicated Coasties and their families for the past 37 years. While our status has changed, rest assured our interest in and support of their efforts will not wane."
Johnson will partner with the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, the service's senior enlisted member to advocate for military benefits and entitlements. Furthermore, Johnson will serve as the Coast Guard representative to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Senior Enlisted Advisor Council.
Adm. Robert J. Papp, commandant of the Coast Guard, presided over the ceremony.
uscgnews.com