Cmdr. Brian McLaughlin speaks to Coast Guard Air Station Sitka personnel during a change of command ceremony held at Air Station Sitka, Alaska, July 17, 2020. (Courtesy photo | U.S. Coast Guard)

Cmdr. Brian McLaughlin speaks to Coast Guard Air Station Sitka personnel during a change of command ceremony held at Air Station Sitka, Alaska, July 17, 2020. (Courtesy photo | U.S. Coast Guard)

Air Station Sitka welcomes new commanding officer

This isn’t his first tour in Alaska.

Coast Guard Air Station Sitka welcomed a new commanding officer Friday.

Cmdr. Brian McLaughlin relieved Capt. Michael Frawley as commanding officer in a change of command ceremony. McLaughlin previously served as the executive officer of of CGAS Cape Cod in Massachusetts, in CGAS Kodiak, and graduated from the Coast Guard Academy. CGAS Sitka’s area of responsibility includes much of Southeast Alaska, and their three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters are key assets in the region for search and rescue missions and other lifesaving work.

[Surging Democrats expand Senate targets to GOP states —including Alaska]

“It is an honor to assume command of Air Station Sitka,” McLaughlin said in a news release. “It is a privilege to lead these dedicated service members and support them and their families as we serve the nation in Southeast Alaska.”

Outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Frawley is transferring to District 17 headquarters in Juneau, according to the Coast Guard. District 17 chief of staff Capt. Gregory T. Fuller presided over the ceremony.

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or lockett@juneauempire.com.

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