PORTLAND, Maine —The Northern New England Sector of the U.S. Coast Guard held a changing-of-the-guard ceremony Thursday, installing a successor to Capt. Brian Gilda, who led the unit since 2013.
The time-honored military ceremony drew a large crowd of enlisted personnel and their families, along with several community members and civilians, who came to congratulate Gilda on his accomplishments during his time with the Northern New England Sector of the Coast Guard.
Since May 2013, Gilda oversaw all Coast Guard missions and operations in a jurisdiction that spanned Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and northern New York. According to Rear Adm. Linda Fagan, Gilda displayed exceptional leadership during the 1,444 search and rescue operations in which he was involved.
Through these operations, Gilda saved 54 lives and $2.5 million in property, Fagan said.
Part of Gilda’s most recent endeavors included overseeing icebreaking operations along the Kennebec River, during what Fagan described as one of the worst winters of the seasons. One of the vessels used in that mission was called the Thunder Bay, which pushed through sheets of ice 12 inches thick to prevent damage caused by flooding and ice jams.
Mick Murphy, a friend and neighbor of Gilda’s, attended and said he was very impressed with his maritime experience.
“I’m not really surprised by all the things he’s accomplished,” Murphy said. “He’s a terrific, hardworking person.”
Gilda’s farewell speech expressed appreciation for his family and his fellow station crew for supporting his efforts at the Coast Guard. After receiving an honorary chief award, Gilda told the crowd the award really belongs to the 1,100 men and women across the sector who shared duty with him.
“I will miss you all,” Gilda said. “The sense of teamwork and cooperation has been contagious throughout my time in this sector. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more collegial staff during my tenure.”
Gilda closed his speech by giving wrapped presents to his sons in the audience and humorously remarking on how they skipped out on a school field trip to Cape Elizabeth to attend the ceremony and honor him. Gilda then told the crowd to take a minute on the weekend to thank the people who support the Coast Guard.
Gilda plans to drive to Seattle, where he will serve as the Coast Guard’s chief of prevention in a district office there.
Capt. Michael Baroody, a 30-year Coast Guard veteran, will succeed Gilda.