SILVERDALE — Cmdr. Matthew A. Michaelis assumed command of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit Bangor on May 29.
Michaelis relieved Cmdr. Thomas C. Evans at a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. Anthony Jack Vogt, commander of the Seattle-based 13th Coast Guard District.
Cmdr. Michaelis previously served as the chief of enforcement at the 13th District, Cmdr. Evans will move to a staff position at the district headquarters.
Maritime force protection units are tasked to secure the passage of ballistic missile submarines which, although possessing some of the most powerful weapons in the world, do not mount weapons to engage small surface threats.
The U.S. Navy relies upon Coast Guard units to secure passage of nuclear submarines through congested waterways like the Salish Sea because naval forces may not be used for domestic law enforcement under the provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act.
The Bangor unit has 14 vessels and 155 personnel; it also controls two 87-foot Maritime Protector-class cutters, the USCGC Sea Devil and the USCGC Sea Fox.
