New Commander Takes Charge of Growing Coast Guard Fleet in Guam

The Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam has been officially commanded by Capt. Jessica Worst, as the branch prepares to increase its fleet of cutters on the island. According to a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard, Capt. Worst assumed responsibility from Capt. Robert Kristner during a ceremony that took place last Friday at Naval Base Guam.

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This leadership transition occurs in the context of a more extensive U.S. military expansion on Guam, which includes substantial investments in new Marine Corps facilities and enhancements to Andersen Air Force Base. By increasing its fleet of Sentinel-class fast-response cutters from three to six, the Coast Guard is bolstering its capacity to protect the region. The cutters are equipped with a 25-mm machine gun and four.50-caliber crew-served machine guns, and they are capable of patrolling up to 2,500 nautical miles over a five-day period and attaining speeds exceeding 28 knots.

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After conducting 162 search-and-rescue operations, saving 246 lives, and safeguarding nearly $30 million in property throughout Micronesia, Kristner, who has been serving as interim sector commander since May, will depart soon. The Coast Guard expressed its gratitude to Capt. Kristner for his exceptional service and wished him the best of luck in his retirement.

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Capt. Worst, who is from Ledyard, Conn., was previously the chief of the Current Operations Division at U.S. Northern Command. In this capacity, she oversaw homeland defense, civil support, and security cooperation initiatives. Her extensive experience includes her previous service as the commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia, which was stationed in Guam and operated in Oceania.

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Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam will persist in its mission to ensure the safety, security, and environmental stewardship of the Pacific maritime environment under the leadership of Worst.

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