U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal is scheduled to hold a change-of-command ceremony, Friday, July 31, 2015. Lt. Kristyn Grier will transfer command to Lt. j.g. Jamie Kim, a native of Irvine, Calif., during a change-of-command ceremony presided over by Capt. Jennifer F. Williams, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/ Long Beach.
Lt. Grier began her career in 2010 when she graduated with honors from the Coast Guard Academy. Grier was then assigned to her first unit aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Resolute in St. Petersburg, Fla., where she served as a deck watch officer, helicopter control officer, and boarding officer.
Grier went on to serve as a boarding officer and intelligence collection officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Maui in Manama, Bahrain, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Grier has received many awards during her service in the Coast Guard, including several Commendation medals, an Achievement medal, a Coast Guard Unit Commendation medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and a Coast Guard Special Operations Service Medal.
Under the command of Grier, Narwhal has completed approximately 3,000 operational patrol hours, more than 500 recreational vessel safety inspections, a major international training exercise, countless local community service events with local tours, and was featured in multiple hit televisions shows. The cutter pursued four go-fast vessels, assisted in the recovery of 2,595 pounds of marijuana, and contributed to the apprehension of six suspected drug smugglers. The unit was also the primary responder during three major Search and Rescue cases that resulted in four lives saved. Mostly notably, on September 17th, 2014, Narwhal took part in the dramatic rescue of a dehydrated and disoriented boater 14-miles off of Newport Harbor.
Lt j.g. Kim graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 2012 and was assigned to her first unit aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf in Alameda, Calif., in support of Operation Arctic Shield. Kim most recently served as the Executive Office aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Maui in Manama, Bahrain, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and deeply rooted in Coast Guard and Naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command.
Image: US Coast Guard