Auxiliary Flotilla Band Adds Honor and Professionalism to CG Cutter Change of Command

MONTAUK, NY — The USCG Cutter Ridley formally changed its Officer-in-Charge (OIC) at a Change of Command ceremony held June 1, 2011, at the Montauk Coast Guard Station, on Star Island, NY. Replacing BMCS Jeffery S. Ryan as the OIC of the Cutter Ridley was BMCS Andrea Martynowski.

Music for the ceremony was proudly provided by 13 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 22-7 Band from Ft. Salonga, NY.

The ceremony was held outdoors on a sunny, beautiful day under a tent at the Station with the Montauk Harbor as the backdrop. Honored guests included the Commander of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, Captain Joseph Vojvodich from New Haven, CT and Rear Admiral Cari Thomas from Coast Guard headquarters in Washington DC. Other guests included family, friends, and approximately 50 enlisted Coast Guard, reservists and Auxiliarists.

Sector Commander Vojvodich’s remarks encouraged the new Commander to “get to know and trust the Cutter staff for they are a diligent team.” Captain Vojvodich also thanked all the Coast Guard Auxiliarists, in particular the Auxiliary Flotilla 22-7 Band for performing at the ceremony. He acknowledged that as a volunteer organization, many had taken the day off from work to perform at this ceremony and their only pay is the “thank you’s” they receive.

“The Band added a level of honor and military professionalism to the Change of Command, reinforcing the fellowship and teamwork between the Coast Guard and the CG Auxiliary” said BMSC Ryan, “I am so honored to have them here for our event.” His new assignment will be at the CG training Center in Yorktown, VA as School Chief for Boatswain Mate “A” School.

“I remember struggling with the piccolo part in “Semper Paratus” back at the Academy when I was in the Band” confessed Rear Admiral Cari Thomas, “but you guys nailed it.” The Band performs for Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary ceremonial occasions.

Past performances include Change of Watch/Commands and “Coast Guard Appreciation Day” aboard the Intrepid Air and Space Museum every August. They have also performed at the USCG lighthouse ship Lilac, VA hospital concerts, blessings of the fleet, various waterside festivals, local parades and small ensemble performances. They have even played for the Mayor of New York City with a performance at Gracie Mansion.

The band trumpet players also perform taps for solemn occasions such as funerals and memorial ceremonies. The list of their performances includes the traveling Vietnam Wall memorial, burials at sea, Auxiliarists’ wakes and funerals, Memorial Day services and at Ground Zero, New York City. Formed in 2007, it is the first brass/woodwind band in the Auxiliary.

Coast Guard Cutter Ridley, Montauk, NY, Photo by John Sasso, FSO-PA, 22-7	BMCS Andrea Martynowski accepts command of the CGC Ridley from BMCS Jeffrey Ryan. Captain Vojvodich (far left) and BM1 Timothy Rafter, master of ceremonies, look on and applaud. Photo by Joseph O’Keefe.	The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 22-7 Band at CG Station Montauk for the Change of Command of CGC Ridley (background). Photo courtesy of Joseph O’Keefe.

 

 

~mg 09-16-11