CGRU USINDOPACOM hosts change of command Story by Lt. Cmdr. Kyle A. Stone and Lt. Cmdr. Sean O’Laughlin On a beautiful August morning in Hawaii, Capt. Tabitha Schiro assumed command of Coast Guard Reserve Unit USINDOPACOM, relieving Capt. Jason Lehto. Capt. Mark Murakami, a plank owner of the CGRU, presided over the time-honored ceremony. Lehto received the prestigious Defense Superior Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal in recognition of his outstanding service. During his time in command, he significantly broadened the Coast Guard's presence across USINDOPACOM, boosting support for theater security assistance, exercise planning, and the COVID-19 response. He left a significant legacy in the 30 joint forces specialists he trained and mentored. “My time at the unit has rapidly closed, and I have to say that it has been an interesting two years,” said Lehto. “My hat’s off to you all for staying ready, vigilant, and safe. It has been a true honor to serve with you, and it’s very nice to know that the Unit, INDOPACOM, and the Coast Guard are all in very capable hands." The incoming commander, Schiro, previously served as the District Seventeen Reserve Chief of Staff from 2018-2021. In her opening remarks, Schiro said, "I am excited to be aboard and looking forward to working with and getting to know the crew.” She also thanked Lehto for setting the unit up for success. “Everyone I spoke to at USINDOPACOM sang your praises and told me, 'Please give me another Coastie just like the one we have…and I’ll take more if you can find them,’” said Schiro. “That is a testament to all the hard work of Capt. Lehto and the crew and to what excellent representatives of the Coast Guard you are. I look forward to carrying on this tradition together." USINDOPACOM’s area of responsibility encompasses more than 50% of the world's population, 3,000 different languages, several of the world's largest militaries, two of the three largest economies, seven of the world's ten largest standing militaries, five of the world's declared nuclear nations, and nine of the world’s 10 largest ports. CGRU USINDOPACOM, comprising 15 officers and three enlisted members, supports their core missions, as well as a wide variety of training and exercises across the subordinate commands, and it is critical to enhancing the partnership between USINDOPACOM and the Coast Guard. � 14 RESERVIST � Issue 4 • 2021
