By Brett Davis
The Corona del Mar-based Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal (WPB 87335) received a new commanding officer during a change-of-command ceremony on Aug. 5. The Narwhal is sponsored by the Newport Beach Navy League Council.
Lt. Caroline Miller, the commanding officer of the Narwhal for the past two-plus years, relinquished command to Lt. j.g. Dustin Smith during a time-honored military tradition that formally transfers and ensures continuity of command. Miller moves to the USCG Cryptologic Command.
Smith, a 2018 graduate of the USCG Academy, reports to the Narwhal from his previous tours serving as the navigation officer and first lieutenant aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Dependable homeported in Little Creek, Virginia, and as executive officer of the cutter Aquidneck in the Persian Gulf.
Capt. Rebecca E. Ore, commander, USCG Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, presided over the ceremony marked by military pomp and circumstance.
Narwhal is an 87-foot Marine Protector Class coastal patrol cutter and is one of the smallest multi-mission patrol vessels employed by the Coast Guard. Home-ported in Corona del Mar since 2001, Narwhal has participated in a wide-range of at-sea missions, received numerous commendations, and while ashore, its crew has been closely involved in supporting a host of Orange County community projects.