
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 26, 1994                    TAG: 9406240238 
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS                     PAGE: 06    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Short 
DATELINE: 940626                                 LENGTH:

COAST GUARD CEREMONY

{LEAD} The change of command for the Fifth Coast Guard District always is a time of mixed emotions for the people of Portsmouth. They must say goodbye to a good citizen and, at the same time, welcome a new one.

The Coast Guard is important to Portsmouth.

{REST} Over the years, many members of the Coast Guard have opted to make the city their permanent home after spending some of their service years here. Retired Coast Guard people, from admirals on down, have made great contributions to the community as volunteers.

Headquartered in the Federal Building, the Fifth District puts people in the shops and restaurants and generally adds to life downtown.

The Coast Guard on Wednesday once again contributed to the wonderful ambience of the waterfront by holding the change-of-command and retirement ceremonies outdoors at Riverfront Park shortly before sundown. Two Coast Guard ships were docked at the foot of High Street and the pomp and circumstance of the activities were a great public pageant.

Hundreds who turned out for the change-of-command ritual on Wednesday included many Portsmouth citizens who welcome the presence of the Fifth District and its commander in the city.

Rear Adm. Ted Leland, commander of the district for three years, will retire. He and his wife will stay in Virginia, moving to Burke, where they own a home. Rear Adm. William J. Ecker, an officer who has been stationed here in the past, will assume the command, moving into the Coast Guard home in Glensheallah.

We wish the Lelands Godspeed; we welcome the Eckers back.

by CNB