GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

The Coast Guard's Gloucester station has a new chief warrant officer.

Chris Sparkman was named yesterday to the top spot, taking over from Gene Gibson, who after three years of service is being transferred to Fort Myers, Fla.

The "change of command" ceremony was held yesterday morning at the Harbor Loop station in front of local dignitaries.

"I will miss the people and the community," Gibson said. "The Coast Guard is always welcome here."

Gibson was awarded several accolades, plaques and a trophy of "The Man at the Wheel" for his services at the Gloucester Station during the ceremony. Gibson, his wife, Jessica, and their three sons, Shea, Evan and Colin, survived the wild winters of New England and are on their way back to Florida.

In 2001, Gibson served as senior boat coxswain and boarding officer at Coast Guard Station Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Although the family is headed to a warmer climate, Gibson will certainly miss Gloucester, he said.

"There's just something special about this fishing town," Gibson said. "... They've always treated us as a part of the community, and you don't get that everywhere. It's something special."

The new Gloucester commander, Sparkman, was reassigned from Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay, Ore. Throughout his Coast Guard career, Sparkman has been assigned to small-boat stations, including Gloucester. The local station is composed of four vessels - two 47-footers and two 25-footers - and has 41 regular and 20 reserve members.

"It's just like coming home," Sparkman said.

Sparkman described Depoe Bay as the "world's smallest harbor," which is certainly different from Gloucester's. Because of the difference in size, Sparkman is excited about the "operational tempo" of his new position.

"I'm going from one extreme to another," Sparkman said.

He wants to be "very engaged with the fishermen" and is looking forward to working with the city.

"I love working with the town," Sparkman said. "I'm glad to see that happens here."

The city of Gloucester has always worked closely with the Coast Guard. State Rep. Anthony Verga, D-Gloucester, who was present for yesterday's ceremony, emphasized the importance of the Coast Guard in the Gloucester community.

"The Coast Guard is always impressive," Verga said. "They've always responded to our needs, and we look at them as brothers and sisters of our community."

City Councilor Gus Foote agreed with Verga's sentiment.

"They're always there for you," Foote said. "We need them."

Michael Costello, executive director of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, said Gloucester Station is "probably one of the best stations on the eastern seaboard."

"This station has always gone out of its way to be a part of the community," Costello said.

In his 29 years at the Chamber, Costello said he has worked with seven different commanders at the Coast Guard. After establishing relationships with them, it's hard to see them be reassigned, but he knows it's a Coast Guard tradition.

"I'm looking forward to working with Chris (Sparkman)," Costello said.



Who's coming?

Name: Chief Warrant Officer Chris S. Sparkman

New post: Coast Guard Station Gloucester.

Old posts: Cape May, N.J. (basic training); CG Cutter Sedge - Homer, Alaska (boatswain striker program); Coast Guard Station Siuslaw River - Florence, Ore. (surfman certification); Coast Guard Station Umpqua River - Winchester Bay, Ore.; Coast Guard Station Noyo River, Calif. (executive petty officer); Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay, Ore. (officer in charge).

Family: Wife, Colleen, and children, Gavin, Grace, and Zachary.

Accolades: Meritorious Service Medal, two Letters of Commendation, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Secretary's Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, five Good Conducts, two National Defense, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Coast Guard Transportation 9-11 Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Expert Rifle and Marksmanship Pistol Medals.

Source: United States Coast Guard - Station Gloucester



Who's going

Name: Chief Warrant Officer Gene J. Gibson

New post: Coast Guard Station Fort Myers, Fla.

Old posts: Cape May, N.J. (recruit training); Coast Guard Station Fort Totten - Queens, N.Y. (earned coxswain pin); Coast Guard Cutter Baranof - Miami Beach, Fla. (senior coxswain, boarding officer, and deck watch officer); District Seven Tactical Law Enforcement Team - Miami, Fla. (law enforcement instructor, boarding officer, and senior coxswain); Coast Guard Cutter Point Countless - Nokomis, Fla. (executive petty officer and senior boarding officer); Coast Guard Cutter Steelhead - Port Arkansas, Texas (executive petty officer and advanced to chief petty officer); Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (senior boat coxswain and boarding officer); and Coast Guard Station Gloucester (commanding officer).

Family: Wife, Jessica, and children, Shea, Evan, and Colin

Accolades: Two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, five Coast Guard Achievement Medals, Commandants Letter of Commendation, and four Good Conduct Awards.

Source: United States Coast Guard - Station Gloucester

Gloucester Coast Guard facts

* Responsible for search and rescue, law enforcement, and marine fisheries from Swampscott to Ipswich Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean out to 25 nautical miles.

* Coast Guard has been a part of the local community for over 150 years.

* Harbor Loop station built in 1974, and is manned and ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

* There are 41 regular and 20 reserve men and women assigned to the unit.

* Boat force consists of two 47-foot motor life boats (capable of operating in 30-foot seas, 20-foot surf, 50 knot winds, and self-righting after a 360-degree roll), and two 25-foot fast response boats (capable of speeds approaching 45 knots).

Source: United States Coast Guard - Station Gloucester