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HEADLINES:
Capt. John Plunkett Assumes Command
Amn. Tristan Tarbox Completes Training

Capt. John Plunkett Assumes Command

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Port Arthur, TX hosted a change-of-command ceremony and Capt. John Plunkett assumed the responsibilities of Commanding Officer of MSU Port Arthur from Capt. Thomas Sparks. Capt. Plunkett, his wife, Lori and their three children, Micheal, Stefanie and Zack are natives of Lanesboro, PA. John is the son of Sandra and Micheal Cyphers of Lanesboro.

The Commanding Officer of MSU Port Arthur is responsible for an area extending from High Island, Texas, east into Louisiana 47 miles east of the Calcasieu Locks, north to the Oklahoma border, and south to the Exclusive Economic Zone boundary approximately 200 miles off-shore.

The Commanding Officer of MSU Port Arthur’s authorities include Captain of the Port, Officer In Charge of Marine Inspection, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, and Federal On-Scene Coordinator. MSU Port Arthur includes 331 active duty, reservist, and civilian members.

The incoming commanding officer arrives with 21 years of experience and previous operational assignments which include Deputy Sector Commander of Sector Long Island Sound, New Haven, CT; Chief of Operations at Marine Safety Office Mobile, Mobile, AL; Chief of the Inspections Department at Marine Safety Office Mobile, Mobile, AL; Marine Inspector at Marine Safety Office Portland, Portland, OR.

Plunkett is a 1987 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science. He graduated in 1995 from John Hopkins University with a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. Plunkett recently attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI, where he received a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. He is also 1983 graduate of Susquehanna Community High School.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the 9-11 Medal, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.

The change-of-command is a time-honored tradition that formally restates to the officers and enlisted personnel of the unit the continuity and authority of command. It is a formal ritual conducted before the assembled personnel of the unit. It confirms to the men and women of the unit that the authority of command is maintained. The ceremony is a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.

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Amn. Tristan Tarbox Completes Training

Air Force Airman Tristan J. Tarbox has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

He is the son of Tammy Allen and James Tarbox, both of Susquehanna.

Tristan is a 2004 graduate of Susquehanna Community High School.

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