CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

The Change of Command Ceremony marks the formal passing of responsibility, authority and accountability from one officer to another.

The ceremonies, customs and traditions of today's Coast Guard draw their origin from ancient customs and laws of the sea begun in historic times by seafaring men and gradually merged into the British Naval Regulations in effect at the time of the American Revolution. The effect of these old customs played in the formulation of naval regulations is a marked example of the influence of tested usage. The Change of Command Ceremony you witness today is not prescribed specifically by Coast Guard Regulations, but rather is an honored product of the rich heritage of naval traditions. It is a custom wholly naval and unique to the seagoing services, without an equivalent counterpart in the Army, Air Force or Marines. Custom has established that this ceremony be formal to strengthen the respect for authority, a vital part of any military organization. Parading all hands at quarters and public reading of orders stems from those days when movement of mail and persons was a slow process. The procedure was designed to ensure that only an authorized officer held command and that all on board were aware of its authenticity. The heart of the ceremony is the formal reading of official orders by the relieving officer and the statement "I relieve you, Sir!" The officer being relieved responds, "I stand relieved." This simple procedure is duplicated hundreds of times every day throughout the Coast Guard and navies of the world as each watch officer passes responsibly to his relief in the conduct of each ship's routine. This ceremony remains unique in the world today - it is without equal as a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.