It was a bittersweet goodbye as Capt. Peter Troedsson gave up the reins of command of Group/Air Station Astoria to Capt. Douglas E. Kaup Friday. 

Hundreds of area leaders, community members and U.S. Coast Guard personnel gathered to witness the traditional Change of Command Ceremony, held in the Air Station’s immense hangar, and while everyone was enthusiastic about meeting Kaup, many were disappointed to see such a beloved figure in the community have to move on. 

It was a sentiment Troedsson acknowledged feeling as well, as he glowed about the crew he was handing over to Kaup. 

“These men and women whom you see standing before you in ranks, are the finest a commanding officer could hope for. To have been their Group Commander for three years has been such an honor that it will be one of the highlights of my life,” Troedsson said. 

Rear Adm. Gary Blore, commander of the 13th District, presided over the ceremony. Blore was commander of Group/Air Station Astoria from 1997 to 2000, and wished Troedsson the best at his next assignment in New Orleans after highlighting some of his successes over the last three years.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight your response to the 2007 winter storms. It speaks volumes to your steadfast dedication to training and readiness,” Blore said to the crowd. That response became the largest rescue event in the Coast Guard since Hurricane Katrina, and over 300 people were rescued or assisted, Blore said. 

Blore praised Troedsson’s crew, and told Kaup he was inheriting a skilled and committed team.

“It was this crew that empowered Capt. Troedsson to accomplish his objectives and goals. I’m sure Peter would agree that the formal recognition we provide him today is about both his leadership and the willingness of his crews to follow the direction he provided,” Blore said. 

Blore presented Troedsson with the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal.

Troedsson sad his sadness at leaving was outweighed by the pride and gratitude he felt to have been able to experience so many of the area’s trademark qualities.

“This area of the country is known as the Graveyard of the Pacific … It’s the only place in the Coast Guard where we cancel classes if the weather is not bad enough,” Troedsson said. He went on to voice his appreciation for the strong relationships he enjoyed with Clatsop County, Astoria and other nearby cities, the Port of Astoria, Camp Rilea and other the state and local entities.

He listed other local ties he’ll miss when he moves on to the 8th Coast Guard District in New Orleans to serve as Response Division Chief. His new district protects 1,200 miles of coastline and 10,300 miles of inland navigable waterways, covering all or part of 26 states throughout the Gulf Coast and heartland of America.

“I’ll miss the Scandinavian Festival and working the Swedish pea soup fundraiser,” he said. 

Troedsson was a Rotary member, a member of the United Way Board of Directors and the chairman of the Aquatic Center Task Force. Working in concert with other community partners was one of Troedsson’s strong suits, many people said on Friday. 

“He’s very approachable and he’s great with interagency cooperation. Right now, the county and state agency cooperation couldn’t be stronger,” Blore said. 

Astoria Mayor Willis Van Dusen echoed that praise.

“This is a very important day for the city of Astoria and the Coast Guard, they’re really one and the same. We’ve had some great commanders, and Capt. Troedsson is one of the finest,” Van Dusen said. “They’ve truly been a part of the community,” he said.

Brett Estes, Astoria’s community development director, said Troedsson’s leadership presence in the community has made a profound impact. They’ve worked together on several projects, Estes said, and it was always something he looked forward to.

“He’s outgoing and enthusiastic,” Estes said. “We’re sad to see Capt. Troedsson go.”

“He’s one of the few people you can really believe in to do the right thing every time. He listens and always comes out with a fair opinion and recommendation,” said Tiffany Estes, who worked with Troedsson as a Rotary Club and United Way member.

Virginia Cameron, a former commanding officer of Station Miami Beach who has retired after more than 20 years with the Coast Guard, said Troedsson’s leadership style is truly unique. While some commanders might have specific areas they excel in, Troedsson is able to balance all of them with ease.

“He represents the total package. Leadership, sense of humor and compassion. Most leaders have aspects of these qualities, but he encompasses them all,” Cameron said. 

Kaup said he has been impressed with everything he’d seen so far since his first day at work, and appreciated all the work Troedsson had done over the years.

“Thank-you for turning over one squared-away unit. I promise that I will do my best not to mess up the great progress you’ve made,” Kaup said.

He said he was thrilled to again be able to live in this part of the country. Kaup served as the aeronautical engineering officer of Group/Air Station North Bend. 

“I can’t tell you how great it is to be back in the Pacific Northwest. I keep pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming,” he said.