Date: June 24, 2008

Contact: Lt. Aaron Gross
(218) 720-5286, ext. 111

COMMANDER LEBSACK RELIEVES COMMANDER CROOT AS MARINE SAFETY UNIT DULUTH COMMANDING OFFICER

During the ceremony Commander Croot will be recognized for his superior leadership and service while serving as Marine Safety Unit Duluth's Commanding Officer from June 2005 to June 2008. Highlights during Commander Croot's tour included:

• Championed dramatic improvements to the Port's Area Maritime Security Committee process and built strong partnerships critical to the success of many highly visible joint exercises.
• Directed a comprehensive in-depth investigation aboard the S/S KAYE E. BARKER ultimately leading to dramatic fleet-wide improvements of propulsion boiler safety.
• Aligned scientific authorities and natural resource trustees to assist in the development of ballast water treatment regulations; mitigating future environmental damage to the Great Lakes' ecosystem.
• Oversaw 646 domestic and foreign vessel inspections, 238 waterside facility inspections, 86 marine casualty investigations, and 72 pollution responses.
•  Implemented the Transportation Worker Identification Credential enforcement requirements for the western Lake Superior area.

The change of command ceremony will be held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center Thursday, June 26 and begins at 11 a.m. 

Local members of the media are invited to attend. Please direct any questions regarding this press release to Marine Safety Unit Duluth's Public Affairs Officer Lt. Aaron Gross at (218) 720-5286.

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