The commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hickory, Brian C. Krautler, has been promoted to the rank of Commander.

Commander Krautler’s promotion took effect July 1 and was celebrated in a small ceremony held aboard the cutter at its berth on Pioneer Pier. 

The cutter’s executive officer, Lt. Jody Maisano, read the orders from the Commandant of the Coast Guard authorizing the promotion. 

Chief Petty Officer Travis Clark assisted Commander Krautler’s wife, Andrea, in pinning on new shoulder boards bearing the Commander (O-5) insignia. Commander Krautler’s children, Kate, 9,  and James, 5,  presented the Commander’s new cover with embroidered oak leaves, also called “scrambled eggs,” which are only worn by ranks commander and above.

This promotion places the Hickory into position as the most senior of the Coast Guard sea-going buoy tenders patrolling Alaska’s waterways and maintaining its aids to navigation.  

It is a mark of distinction that the crew bears with pride as they work to keep the waters of Alaska safe for maritime industry and recreation, according to a press release.

The Hickory, based in Homer, is a 225-foot sea-going buoy tender whose primary mission is servicing aids to navigation from the Cook Inlet to the Kuskokwim River.