Kent Kraft, for the Gazette Chief Warrant Officer Maria Collett (right) and Chief Boatswain's Mate Cory Gallagher (left) shake hands after the change of command was made official by Captain William Albright (center).

Dollar Bay – United States Coast Guard (USCG) Station Portage underwent an official Change of Command Thursday. A formal ceremony was conducted at Dollar Bay schools complete with a color guard, a personnel inspection, and a reading of orders. These elements are all conducted to a formally prescribed ritual to honor and maintain traditions of the service, and to publicly demonstrate that authority has passed without interruption.

The occasion also gives the members of the command, as well as guests and the public, a chance to recognize both the service and achievements of the outgoing commanding officer as well as welcoming the incoming replacement. During the ceremony, Chief Warrant Officer Maria Collett, in command of Station Portage since July 2022, was relieved by Chief Boatswain’s Mate Cory Gallagher.

Under the command of Collett, Station Portage was credited with saving 22 lives and $876,864 in property, conducting 78 Search and Rescue cases and 613 law enforcement boardings, and performing 269 ports/waterways and coastal security missions totaling 538 hours. “During my time here,” Collett said, “we didn’t just maintain the status quo, we raised the bar.”

This sentiment was echoed by Captain William Albright, Commander, Sector Northern Great Lakes, who presided over the change of command ceremony. Only a few weeks into his new command himself, Albright studied the record of Collett and Station Portage and concluded, “Station Portage has not just met the standard, they set it.”

He also commended Collett’s leadership in tough times. “After COVID,” he said, “the station was operating at just 58% of capacity but saw no dip in their performance.” Looking over his shoulder at Collett, he added, “Your leadership created a positive culture and led to a cohesive unit.”

Albright was additionally impressed with how Collett’s command was so successful in the adverse conditions of Lake Superior. “This area has a natural beauty with a savage nature. Compounding the elements of nature is the tyranny of distance.”

He specifically called out the need to safeguard Isle Royale National Park, one of the most remote areas for Station Portage. Collett’s ability to “foster critical resources right where they’re needed” is what Albright credited, “including pairing with the National Park Service to maintain a safe environment around the island.”

Collett sought to give credit to those she commanded as well during her comments. “Even when facing the most difficult operations and tasking, your resolve and devotion to duty never wavered. None of this was a solo effort; it was executed through your grit, your skill, and your commitment to our uniform.”

She added, “I have cherished every single moment working alongside you. Thank you for the opportunity to learn beside me and to serve this community together. In leadership, we always hope our impact is positive and I truly hope I have helped you far more than I ever stood in your way.”

Another piece that stood out to Albright was how involved the crew is in the community. “Those at Station Portage are not just stationed in the Copper Country, you are a pillar of it,” he said. Collett has led by example here, continuing her involvement in community organizations like the Girl Scouts after her move to the Keweenaw. She assumed the role of Service Area Manager for the Girl Scouts in Keweenaw, Houghton and Baraga counties.

Reflecting on her time at Station Portage, Collett said, “Leading this unit has been the privilege of my career, and I don’t say that lightly.” Albright told her, “Thank you for a job exceptionally well done.” Now relieved from Station Portage, Collett will join Albright at Sector Northern Great Lakes.

Gallagher, who took over command, has spent time in Texas, Alabama, Connecticut, North Carolina, Alaska, and, most recently, Florida. He thanked Collett for her work in helping him transition to his new position, saying she made it “about as smooth as it possibly could have been from the day I got orders. You answered questions for me, filled me in on everything Station Portage, and made my family feel welcome before we even arrived.”

Before starting up here full time, Collett even arranged a visit for Gallagher. “You even arranged an all-inclusive trip for me to the beautiful Upper Peninsula in February. I’m still not sure if that was hospitality or if it was your way to see if I was serious about taking this job.”

He thanked his new colleagues as well, saying, “thank you for everything you’ve done to make today happen. The Coast Guard has spent almost 19 years investing in me. Today, I get the chance to pay that investment forward by investing in this crew.”

Setting expectations for those under him, Gallagher said, “I don’t have some big leadership speech for you, but I can tell you this: I’ll work hard. I’ll expect a lot from myself and I’ll expect a lot from you because this mission deserves nothing less.”

Albright gave his vote of confidence in Gallagher, telling him, “Based on your career achievements, you are ready.” Gallagher knows the future is bright for Station Portage, concluding, “I have no doubt this station will continue doing what it is already known for: taking care of people, serving this community, and accomplishing the mission.”

A sizeable crowd, made up of Station Portage crew, officers and crew from other USCG stations, family and friends, and members of the public bore witness to the change of command. At the conclusion, applause echoed throughout the school auditorium as those gathered wished Collett and Gallagher well in their new endeavors.