Capt. Mark Rose hopes to be remembered for the connections he has made with the members of his unit, and with the local community.

Rose was transferred from his position at Coast Guard Support Center Elizabeth City during a change of command ceremony on June 20. He was the fifteenth commanding officer of the Support Center, and held the position for the last three years.

"I would hope that the members of this command would feel that we've all succeeded together because we've all worked together and supported each other," Rose said.

At the ceremony, Rose spoke of the many successes his unit has had, and the community partnerships that he hopes will continue.

"In the last three years we've done a lot of projects that have been good for the Coast Guard and good for the community as well," Rose said.

His participation with numerous groups has added the Coast Guard perspective to state and local organizations, he said.

"One of the great and most enjoyable aspects of being commanding officer of Support Center is the opportunity to partner with so many federal, state and local organizations and agencies," Rose said.

He has served as an ex-officio member of the Elizabeth City – Pasquotank County Airport Authority, the North Carolina Advisory Commission on Military Affairs, and the Albemarle Economic Development Commission. Rose is also a member of the Elizabeth City morning Rotary Club and serves on the board of directors of the Albemarle Area United Way.

The command hosted its first community-wide hurricane preparedness open house in 2007 and a second open house this year. Over the last few years the unit has also worked with the North Carolina Department of Emergency Management and created several new partnerships in regard to working with emergency management officials at all levels.

Rose also spoke of the ways in which the base has improved in the past few years.

"I think we've made some big improvements in our physical infrastructure, and identified future improvements as well," Rose said.

During his tenure, the runway has undergone a $2 million repair, outdoor basketball courts have been constructed, Coast Guard Day events have been expanded, new rental trailers have been installed, and a new life guard station and other improvements have been made to the beach on the base.

Future improvements include new buildings for Air Station Elizabeth City and a new Rescue Swimmer Training Facility for the Aviation Technical Training Center and the Air Station.

Rear Admiral Ronald T. Hewitt, commander of Coast Guard Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic in Norfolk, Va., spoke at the change of command ceremony.

He acknowledged the many improvements and successes Rose has had at the Support Center and presented him with a Meritorious Service Medal.

"Although you credit your staff with these accomplishments, your positive leadership has ensured the Support Center's success," Hewitt said. "I know your positive impact will be felt here and throughout the Coast Guard for years to come."

Rose has over 26 years of service as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard. He graduated from the U. S. Coast Guard Academy in 1982 with high honors, and in 1987, obtained his MBA degree in Financial Management from George Washington University.

He has lived in Shawboro for the last six years with his wife Joan and children Jessica and Joseph. The family will remain in Currituck when Rose begins his next assignment as commanding officer of the Coast Guard's Finance Center in Chesapeake, Va.

Captain Carol Bennett is the new commanding officer of the Support Center. Bennett's last assignment was at Coast Guard Headquarters, where she has served since August 2006 as the Chief of the Office of Resource Management. A graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Bennett is a native of Stony Brook, N.Y. She and her family reside in Moyock, N.C.

Rose wished Bennett many successes as the new commanding officer of the Support Center.

"You have a great crew here. I know that under your leadership the Support Center will continue to serve our nation, the state of North Carolina and Northeast Carolina as well," Rose said. "Remember – take care of your people and they'll always take care of you."