Share: 

Indian River Inlet Coast Guard changes command

Chief Donald Holcomb hands reins over to Chief Nicholas Muskala
With U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Capt. Kurt Clarke standing watch, Chief Donald Holcomb salutes Chief Nicholas Muskalla as he hands over control of the Indian River Inlet Coast Guard Station. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
May 27, 2019

Story Location:
39373 Inlet Road
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

U.S. Coast Guard Station Indian River Inlet hosted a Change of Command Ceremony May 17. After a year at the helm, Chief Donald Holcomb handed the reins over to Chief Nicholas Muskalla. The Indian River Inlet Station is the southernmost Coast Guard Station of the Delaware Bay Sector.

This is the second time Muskalla has been stationed in Delaware. In 2013, he served as executive petty officer and earned his officer in charge multi-mission ashore qualification. Immediately prior to his command assignment, Muskalla was an instructor for the Command Center Watchstander Course at Training Center Yorktown, Va.

After being relieved of command, Holcomb was promoted to chief warrant officer. His next assignment will be aboard Coast Guard cutter Stratton, stationed out of Alameda, Calif. It will be the fifth station in five years for Holcomb and his family.

With U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay Capt. Kurt Clarke standing watch, Chief Donald Holcomb salutes Chief Nicholas Muskalla as he hands over control of the Indian River Inlet Coast Guard Station. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chief Donald Holcomb’s daughters Maddison, left, and Molly lighten up the ceremony.
After being relieved of his command duties, Holcomb was promoted to chief warrant officer.
Capt. Kurt Clarke promotes Holcomb to Chief Warrant Officer.
Capt. Kurt Clarke, Chief Donald Holcomb and Chief Nicholas Muskalla, l-r, stand at attention during the national anthem.
Chief Holcomb’s family helps with the promotion ceremony. Shown are (l-r) mom Monique Holcomb, daughter Maddison, Holcomb, daughter Molly and wife Janelle.
Tradition says the first person to salute an officer after promotion gets a silver dollar. Here Holcomb embraces Seaman Tony Ciampi after choosing him to be the first salute.

Most Popular

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter

Most Popular