Recognizing U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie

Floor Speech

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Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Captain Anthony R. Jones and Captain James R. Bendle of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie. Captain Jones will be relieved by Captain Bendle on Friday, June 23, at their Change of Command Ceremony. Since beginning his time as Sector Commander of USCG Sector Sault Sainte Marie in July of 2020, Captain Jones has overseen and protected over 1,850 miles of shoreline and 560 miles of border between the United States and Canada. His expertise and exceptional work over the past few years have allowed the station to navigate everchanging weather, obstacles, and needs from the public--and for that I am grateful.

Leading more than 750 active duty, reserve, civilian, and supplemental personnel, Captain Jones and his colleagues have cultivated a truly strong and capable team in Michigan's First District, one that performs lifesaving services across Northern Michigan and the Midwest. Captain Jones's time as Sector Commander has certainly brought with it times of great stress and gravity, but his spirit and determination to serve our nation's citizens has remained unbroken.

His successor, Captain Bendle, will soon be assuming his position and taking responsibility for the Sector's personnel, as well as their 23 watercrafts distributed across their seven stations. The various challenges that he will face will certainly be a little easier to overcome, thanks to the example of Captain Jones.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Captain Anthony R. Jones for his exceptional work as Sector Commander of USCG Sector Sault Sainte Marie and Captain James R. Bendle for being selected to replace him during their Change of Command Ceremony being held on June 23, 2023. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Captain Jones, Captain Bendle, and their families, and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

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