U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 95 – 55th Change of Watch

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 95 Marco Island, District Seven, Division Nine, held their 55th Annual Change of Watch on January 15 at the Hideaway Beach Club. The Change of Watch is a time-honored tradition, formally restating the continuity of the authority of the watch. It is a formal ritual, conducted before the assembled company of members, as well as honored guests and dignitaries. The Change of Watch itself is a transfer of total flotilla responsibility and authority from one individual to another.

Joseph Riccio, the newly elected Flotilla Commander was the master of ceremonies for the evening. The Sounding of the Bell for those “Crossing the Bar,” by Immediate Past Flotilla Commander Lee Konecke, and the introduction of the Missing Man Table by Mark Schwab were two familiar and moving tributes during the ceremony.

Administration of Oath of Office for Flotilla Commander and Vice Flotilla Commander was conducted by BM1 Justin Hartfiel, First Lieutenant - USCG Fort Myers Beach Station and Walter Jaskiewicz, Past Commodore District Seven.

In a special award ceremony, FC Joseph Riccio presented a 25-Years of Service Certificate to Robert Witte.

BM1 Justin Hartfiel, David Schwartz, USCG Auxiliary Commander Division 9, District 7, and Past Flotilla Commander, Keith Wohltman: were the distinguished guest speakers.

Other distinguished guests in attendance were: BM3 Kieran Neschich - USCG Fort Myers Beach Station, Terrence Schwinghammer - USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 96 Commander, Michael and Hazel McNees - Marco Island City Manager, Tracy Frazzano - Chief, Marco Island Police Department, Angel Casabona - Marine Sergeant, Marco Island Police Department, Lieutenant Col. Robert and Carole Nager - Marco Island Civil Air Patrol, Commander Wanda and Gene Burson - Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron, Linda and Bob Gagnon - Marco Bay Yacht Club Rear Commodore, and Friends of Marco Island Flotilla 9-5, Inc. Board of Directors: Laura and Steve Schneider, Bill and Marcie Gorski.

The new Bridge for 2022 includes Joseph Riccio, Flotilla Commander; Don Rice, Vice Flotilla Commander; and Lee Konecke, Immediate, Past Flotilla Commander. The 2022 Flotilla Staff Officers are: Henry Atsma, Ajit Chikarmane, Joe Grazzini, Doug Johnson, Michael Ludwig, Michael Massey, John Montville, John Moyer, Joe Rassiccia, Al Schettino, Ed Schwab, and Keith Wohltman.

Saving Lives since 1939.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – A Proud Tradition, A Worthy Mission.

For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.