The Commandant and the National Staff

“November 2, 2006, Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C.  “Sir, I relieve you.”  With those words Steven M. Budar officially became the twenty-eighth National Commodore of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Prior to the actual ceremony Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant of the Coast Guard in his remarks described his long relationship with outgoing National Commodore Gene Seibert.  “Our relationship goes back many years, to when I was District Commander.  His mentoring me in the ways of the Auxiliary was extremely beneficial.”

Admiral Allen welcomed Commodore Budar to his new position saying that he welcomed new insights from the Pacific area.  “An area that always answered the call,” he said.

Commodore Seibert said, “It was a privilege to serve the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary and my nation.”  He summed up saying, “In Steve’s (Budar) hands I am optimistic about the future of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.”

The actual “watch changing” ceremony is one steeped in tradition.  The words used during the leadership change are the actual words used for over 200 years.  The time-honored ceremony assures the continuity of leadership.  Commodore Budar said, “Sir, I relieve you,” to which Commodore Seibert replied, “Sir, I stand relieved.”  This exchange took place in front of and with the acknowledgement of Admiral Allen.

In his closing remarks, National Commodore Steven Budar said, “This ceremony does not define a change in administration or a new beginning, rather it demonstrates the continuation of a successful strategy crafted over the past two years by Commodore Seibert and myself.  My service as National Commodore will continue to build upon the programs, practices and policies established for and accepted by our membership.”

Commodore Budar said that recreational boating safety will continue to be the cornerstone of the Auxiliary’s activity along with the operational and maritime domain awareness missions.

“I feel proud to lead the thousands of dedicated volunteers serving our country,” Budar said.  “I feel humbled by the faith placed in me and this new Bridge to carry on the important work started by those who preceded us,” he said.

The official swearing in of the new Bridge followed with Captain Barry Smith, Chief Director of the Auxiliary, reading the prologue and Admiral Allen administering the pledge.