Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw gets new commander

CHEBOYGAN, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw has a new commanding officer.

Cmdr. Vasilios Tasikas took over Wednesday for Cmdr. Michael Davanzo, who is transferring to the Afloat Training Group, Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. Tasikas previously served in the Office of Military Justice at Coast Guard headquarters.

A changeover ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon at the Millard D. Olds Memorial Moorings in Cheboygan, the Mackinaw’s home port.

The Mackinaw is the only U.S. heavy icebreaking vessel assigned to the Great Lakes.

Its other missions include servicing buoys, search and rescue, law enforcement and the ability to deploy an oil skimming system in case of spills.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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