On Tuesday Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray relieved Vice Adm. Paul F. Zukunft as Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area and Coast Guard Defense Forces West, in a change-of-command ceremony at Coast Guard Island. Ray was promoted to vice admiral prior to the ceremony. Zukunft has served as the Pacific Area Commander since April 2012, and is awaiting Senate confirmation to serve as the Coast Guard Commandant in Washington, D.C.

“It has been a pleasure serving as the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area commander for the past two years, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue my service as the Coast Guard’s 25th Commandant,” said Zukunft.