Coast Guard Station to Hold Change of Command

Chief Warrant Officer Jerry J. Farmer will succeed Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Tumulty as Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station Neah Bay, Wash., during an official ceremony. Farmer will assume the responsibility of commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Neah Bay which overseas search and rescue and law enforcement in one of the most remote regions of Washington State. The Station maintains a 47-ft. motor lifeboat, 41-ft. utility boat and a 25-ft. response boat.

Farmer spent five years at Quillayute River where he qualified as a heavy weather coxswain on the 44-foot motor lifeboat. After being advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class, he reported to the National Motor Lifeboat School in Ilwaco, Wash. In August 1995 he was assigned to the maintenance division at the school. While at the National Motor Lifeboat School, Farmer qualified as a 44-foot and 47-foot motor lifeboat surfman. Once promoted to Petty Officer First 1st Class Farmer assumed the role of instructor for the 47-foot motor lifeboat transition team. In July 2000, Farmer reported to Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor, Wash., where he advanced to Chief and assumed the duties of Executive Petty Officer. In June 2004 he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and was assigned to the Maritime Safety and Security Team in San Diego where he served as the Assistant Operations Officer. During his tour at the Maritime Safety and Security Team, Chief Warrant Officer Farmer graduated from Navy Dive School in Panama City, Fla., qualified as a Dive Superior, and assumed the duties of the Maritime Safety and Security Team's first dive officer.

Farmer's awards include the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, two Commandant's letter of Commendation Ribbons and four Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition aboard ships and shore units. It represents a total transfer of responsibility and authority from one individual to another and gives formal recognition in front of the entire crew.