PATFORSWA Holds Change of Command

By U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs | June 17, 2021

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (June 16, 2021) – Capt. Benjamin D. Berg relieved Capt. Willie Carmichael as Commander, Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 16.

During his 13-month tenure as the senior USCG representative in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Carmichael led PATFORSWA in providing support to maritime security operations in the north, central and south Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Vice Adm. Steven Poulin, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic, presided over the ceremony and commended Carmichael for his leadership and performance.

"Through your personal sacrifice and your dedication, PATFORSWA cutters spent more than 7,000 hours deployed throughout the entire year providing 365 days of continued support for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command strategic objectives,” said Poulin.

Carmichael will report to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757) as the prospective commanding officer.

“I cannot thank you enough for supporting one another, the mission and adding to the legacy of PATFORSWA,” said Carmichael. “It has been an honor to serve as you commodore.”

Berg is reporting from 13th Coast Guard District in Seattle where he served as chief of planning for contingency preparedness and force readiness.

“It truly is an honor to be officially joining this outstanding team today,” said Berg.

PATFORSWA, attached to CTF 55, is composed of six patrol vessels, shoreside mission support personnel, and the Maritime Engagement Team. They play a crucial role in maritime security, maritime infrastructure protection, and theater security cooperation in the region. The unit also supports other U.S. Coast Guard deployable specialized forces operating throughout the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.

-30-

 

For further questions, please contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office

011-973-1785-4522 or navcentpao@me.navy.mil