The event is an important step for the Coast Guard because it formally recognizes the change in civilian leadership over a military organization.

The 'Change of Watch' ceremony is similar to a Change of Command, a time-honored military tradition that formally restates to the officers and crew the continuity of the authority of command. Like the Change of Command, this Change of Watch represents a transfer of oversight of the Coast Guard from Secretary Mineta to Secretary Ridge.

WHO: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge

WHAT: U.S. Coast Guard Change of Watch Ceremony

WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003

WHERE: D.C. Stadium-Armory 2001 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC