Change of Command
at Jones Beach Motor Lifeboat Station;
A Lesson in Leadership

By Wayne Spivak, ADSO-CS 1SR
Photographs by Ken Sommers, FC, 13-11 1SR
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

For the past several months, the Coast Guard has been performing a rite dê passage that is steeped in tradition and ceremony. Generations of Coasties have performed this same ceremony as a way to keep the continuity of leadership intact. The rite dê passage is the Change of Command.

This long standing ritual is used to thank these men and women who are leaving their positions of responsibility, while also introducing their replacements who have stepped up to the proverbial plate to take over these positions of great responsibility.

Some of Coast Guardsmen who have left, are themselves taking on new command responsibilities, others are taking on important administrative functions, while still others are retiring from the service, after long and fruitful careers.

Whether this occasion is marking the change of command for the commandant or for an officer in charge, continuity of leadership and command must be maintained. Sometimes, the leadership values exhibited by the outgoing officer provide an exceptional example of not only the core values of the Coast Guard, but the values that all leaders should demonstrate.

These three values were underscored at a change of command ceremony just a short time ago at Motor Lifeboat Station Jones Beach in Freeport, New York At Jones Beach, CWO Mark Davenport was not only leaving a command, in which he excelled, from an administrative standpoint but more importantly from a leadership perspective during the tumultuous period after the terrorist attack in New York City. It was these attributes which were at the heart of his recent promotion from chief petty officer, and his subsequent transfer to the prestigious Eaton Neck CGS, as OIC.

What made this Change of Command ceremony unique were the tributes given. These tributes were not only made by Mr. Davenport, but were for Mr. Davenport. From his commander, to his colleagues in and out of the Coast Guard, all you were able to hear was their respect for the man and his work.

Mr. Davenport gave tribute, not only to his active crew (as he put it "my crew") but his reserve unit members and with a special emphasis, "his Auxiliary". But his leadership style didn't end there. He pointed out eloquently albeit, sometimes choked with emotion, that without "his crew, his reservists and his auxiliarists", success would not have been achieved. In addition, he spoke about the outstanding performance of his XO, BM1 James Weber. "For five months, while I recovered from back surgery, Jim ran this unit as his own, and for that I will be ever grateful" an emotional Davenport said.

Mr. Davenport exemplified the spirit of TEAM COAST GUARD, by re-emphasizing the work performed by "his Auxiliary", "his crew" and the other members of the law enforcement team he had the pleasure to serve with. "I was quite impressed with not only the number of individuals who attended, but the number of auxiliarists and the representation of such highly place police officials" said Commander Gregory T. Nelson, commanding officer of Group Moriches.

In attendance at this Change of Command was approximately 40 auxiliarists, many of them taking time off work to bid adieu to a man that was admired. Hal Marshall, Flotilla Commander of 13-06, one of the Auxiliary units which works out of Station Jones Beach, and a former US Army Captain, remarked about the type of leadership Davenport provided. "Mark recognized the value that the Auxiliary could play in enhancing the operational capability of the Station. To that end, he did everything possible to provide his Auxiliary units with what was needed and to meld the station as a single unit. His leadership of 'his Auxiliary' made the last two years a fun and rewarding experience, as a member of Division 13 of the Coast Guard Auxiliary."

[Editor's Note: Division 13 of the First Southern District, USCG Auxiliary, consists of seven Flotilla's, all working out of Station Jones Beach command.]

Also in attendance were the Nassau County Police Commissioner (who spoke about the leadership role CWO Davenport exhibited), the Chief of the Nassau County Police Department and two Deputy Chiefs, as well as the ranking members of the Nassau County Police Marine and Aviation Units. Other uniformed personal in attendance were members of the New York State Environmental Conservation Police, and New York State Park Police, as well as the several Fire Department Chiefs from different departments which border the station.

Why so many non-traditional attendees? The answer is leadership. Mr. Davenport interacted with all levels of law enforcement, emergency services and with "his Auxiliary". His leadership style was eminently effective in bringing all these parties together before, during and after September 11th. His leadership style enables him to cement and strengthened the relationship between the Coast Guard and State and Local governments.

"It has been Mark's steadfast commitment to serve the community and do the right thing that has led this station to its many successes. … I will highlight just a few statistics that give you a sense of the job mark has done. Under CWO Davenport's direction, this unit has successfully prosecuted over 600 search and rescue cases, assisted over 1300 mariners in distress. 12 lives have been saved and over $7.5 million in property has been assisted." From the remarks of CDR Nelson to those assembled at the Change of Command Ceremony, July 10th, 2002.

His former command, as a tribute to his leadership gave Mr. Davenport some very special parting gifts. From his active duty crew, a brass telescope and tri-pod, to survey the scenic view from his new office at Eaton's Neck. From his Auxiliary, an exact scale model of Station Jones Beach 47' MLB. From the law enforcement and fire departments represented; hats, t-shirts, plaques and other fun trinkets of camaraderie.

From all, their respect, admiration and heart felt words of thanks, encouragement and best wishes as he embarks on his new command.

Station Jones Beach and Mark Davenport are shining examples of what good leadership can do to bring Team Coast Guard together, to make America safer.