U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes

Earlier this week, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes held a change of command ceremony at the Lake Superior State University Arts Center, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, June 16, 2026.

Capt. William Albright relieved Capt. James Bendle as Sector Commander.

Following the change of command, Bendle held a retirement ceremony after more than 20 years of service in the Coast Guard. Throughout his career, he served in several leadership roles, including command positions at U.S. Coast Guard Station Grand Isle, Louisiana, and Sector Maryland-National Capital region.

Albright assumed duties as the incoming sector commander, bringing experience in marine safety, prevention and waterways management. Past assignments include Commanding Officer of Marine Safety Unit Huntington, West Virginia, and Deputy Chief of the Polar Coordination Officer at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The change of command ceremony is a time honored tradition that marks a transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another.

📸 PA3 Mary Wysong



U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command

Do you recognize this paddle board?

Sector is actively seeking information on this craft found 2.5 nautical miles northeast of Rawleys Point Lighthouse in .

Anyone with information please contact the Sector Lake Michigan Command Center at 414-747-7182.

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan See less

U.S. Coast Guard Station Kenosha held a historic Ceremony, where Master Chief Petty Officer Adam Bure, a boatswains’s mate, passed on the duties and responsibilities of officer-in-charge to Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeremiah Ward, a machinery technician, on June 5, 2026.

This Change of Command marks the first time in history that a machinery technician (MK) serves as the officer-in-charge of a small boat station, proving leadership should not be determined by rating, but by an individual’s ability to lead.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Phillip Waldron, as well as District leadership attended the ceremony.

A Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored tradition symbolizing the continuity of leadership and the transfer of total authority from one individual to another.

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command
U.S. Coast Guard

- Rear Adm. Russell Dash, Great Lakes District Commander, had the privilege of throwing the ceremonial first pitch for the in Cleveland, Ohio, for Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

The U.S. Coast Guard is proud to honor those who serve and have served. We are thankful for the opportunity to represent service members at alongside our community.

Yesterday, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Phillip Waldron visited US Coast Guard Air Station Detroit.

During his visit, Master Chief Waldron had a chance to meet with the crew, fly in a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and witness an unmanned aircraft system demonstration.

Master Chief Waldron recognized crew members for their and allowed members the opportunity to ask leadership questions directly.

visits allow both the crews and leadership to learn from one another, sharing insight on future operations, expectations and voicing the needs of the .

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command

Bravo Zulu U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City aircrew for transporting two people in stable condition after their plane crashed on in Wednesday.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes watchstanders received notification of a plane crash with two people aboard at 6:45 p.m.

An Air Station Traverse City MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew launched, brought the survivors aboard the MH-60 and transferred both individuals from North Fox Island to at 8:45 p.m.

Read the full press release below:
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/565945/coast-guard-transports-2-after-plane-crashes-north-fox-island-lake-michigan

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command