Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O’Hara was relieved by Vice Adm. John Currier at a vice commandant change of watch ceremony held today.
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp presided over the ceremony, held at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute also attended. Following the ceremony, Brice-O’Hara formally retired from the Coast Guard after more than 37 years of service.
“I’m honored to have served with such an exceptional group of people,” said Brice-O’Hara. “I know Vice Adm. Currier is well prepared to lead the service as the next vice commandant.”
The ceremony marked the completion of a distinguished military career that began at Coast Guard Officer Candidate School in 1975. Brice-O’Hara’s assignments ranged from small boat stations and group commands to the Coast Guard’s Recruit Training Center in Cape May, NJ.
As a flag officer she was the Director of Reserve and Training, commanded the 5th and 14th Coast Guard Districts, served as the deputy commandant for operations, and the 27th vice commandant.
“Despite my retirement from the Coast Guard today, I will always be part of the Coast Guard family,” said Brice-O’Hara. “I’m proud of my service to this nation and grateful for the time I served with my shipmates.”
“Vice Adm. Brice-O’Hara is a true shipmate in every sense of the word and an inspirational role model,” said Papp, adding, “We owe her a debt of gratitude for her service to the Coast Guard and the nation.”
Currier becomes the 28th vice commandant after serving as the first deputy commandant for mission support, responsible for the oversight of human capital, lifecycle engineering, acquisition, telecommunications and information technology. His prior flag assignments included commander of the 13th Coast Guard District, assistant commandant for acquisition and chief of staff of the Coast Guard. As the longest serving Coast Guard aviator currently on active duty, he is also the Coast Guard’s Ancient Albatross.
“I’m humbled to follow Vice Adm. Brice-O’Hara,” said Currier. “Her exceptional leadership will be missed. I’m committed to continuing Adm. Papp’s direction for the Coast Guard to focus on excellence in operations and mission support, while preparing for the future.”
The Coast Guard gives a hearty “fair winds and smooth seas” to Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O’Hara.
