Port Security Unit 308 holds a weekend of ceremonies Story by Lt. Cmdr. Nick Traina, PSU 308 Preparing for changes of command and retirement ceremonies are fairly routine amongst military units. However, in September, Port Security Unit 308 conducted an all hands weekend with multiple ceremonies recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of its members. Families, friends and shipmates made their way to Kiln, Mississippi, to the Hancock Performing Arts Center. The ceremonies were also live- streamed back for friends, family and shipmates, who could not make the journey due to COVID-19 restrictions. Members of 308 also witnessed the ceremonies via live stream from satellite tents at the unit. The weekend kicked off with Senior Chief Petty Officer Glen Sefcik as master of ceremonies for the retirement ceremonies of 308’s Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Sawyer, who completed 22 years of service and spent his final three years as the unit’s command master chief. Over his many years of service, Sawyer deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay—all with PSU 308. Immediately following the master chief's retirement was that of Senior Chief Petty Officer Kevin Hicks, whose final assignment was Shoreside Security Division Chief, assigned to Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Maritime Security Detachment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hicks completed 30 years of exemplary service. The following day, PSU 308’s executive officer, Lt. Cmdr. Emir Holmes, was the master of ceremonies for the change of command ceremony. The chaplain, Lt. Doyle Allen, led a remembrance for those families that lost loved ones September 11, 2001. “The Coast Guard is prepared to rush towards the sounds of danger,” Allen said solemnly. During the ceremony, Capt. Gennaro A. Ruocco transferred command of PSU 308 to Cmdr. Paul E. Green. Ruocco had served as the CO of PSU 308 since September 2018 and oversaw a nine-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Rear Adm. Dana Thomas, director of Health, Safety and Work-Life for the Coast Guard, presided over the ceremony, and Vice Adm. Michael McAllister, commander of Pacific Area, was the virtual keynote speaker. McAllister congratulated Ruocco on a successful deployment, saying, “[PSU] 308 is a tight knit team, and the team focuses on people.” In his departing remarks, Ruocco said, “I believe in America, as we continue to lead and evaluate ourselves.” � Coast Guard Cmdr. Paul Green, incoming commanding officer of Port Security Unit 308, salutes Capt. Gennaro Ruocco, outgoing commander of the unit, during a change-of-command ceremony in Kiln, Mississippi, Sept. 11, 2021. Rear Adm. Dana Thomas, director of Health, Safety and Work-Life for the Coast Guard, presided over the ceremony. ABOVE: Capt. Gennaro A. Ruocco gives his farewell address. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Smith. Issue 4 • 2021 � RESERVIST 15
