The United States Coast Guard cutter Aspen is under new command as of June 26. Commanding Officer Corey Engel will be in charge of the cutter’s operations and crew. Commanding Officer Shea Winterberger has held the position since 2022.
In addressing her crew during the ceremony, Winterberger said when she took command of Aspen three years ago, it was apparent how much the crew cared for the cutter and each other.
“Your energy and commitment to the missions you do and the people you do it with were obvious,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong, we’ve been through the ringer. It’s painful to give up a ship, make someone else’s ship your own, and then play catch-up. But I can honestly tell you, I would not have wanted to face the challenges and the successes of the last three years with anyone but you.”
Rear Adm. Megan Dean said Winterberger has shown an unwavering commitment to Coast Guard missions, strengthening public partnerships in remote and isolated areas of Alaska and facilitating stewardship of the cutter and great care of Aspen’s crew.
Dean said that during the 2024 Bristol Bay commercial salmon season, the Aspen’s crew conducted 47 commercial fishing vessel safety boardings, supporting the safe seasonal harvest of more than 31 million fish valued at over $128 million, helping ensure the safety of commercial fishermen and enhancing the sustainability of “this vital Alaska economic engine.”
In total, Dean said, under Winterberger’s command, the Aspen steamed 38,120 miles and corrected 27 discrepancies.
Addressing Engel directly, Dean said the new commanding officer was arriving at a time when Coast Guard missions in Alaska are continuing to grow to include strategic response to the increased presence of maritime adversaries and an increase in illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries enforcement, as well as the ever growing presence of cruise ships and the thousands of passengers sailing Alaska’s waters. She said she saw the Aspen as one “maybe one of the top 10 assignments in the entire Coast Guard.”
“Always remember, command is an honor and a privilege. It’s the greatest responsibility our service can bestow. Take care of this crew and this cutter, adhere to our core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty,” Dean said during the ceremony. “And the Coast Guard Cutter Aspen crew, take care of your commanding officer. Lt. Cmdr. Engel bears the burden of responsibility for the safety of this unit and each of you; however, he cannot do it alone.”
Engel hails from Detroit and has served in the U.S. Coast Guard since 2009, with stations in his home state of Michigan, as well as Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. He holds an MBA from the University of Central Florida and has been awarded four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, and two Commandant’s Letters of Commendation. He describes himself as “a proud Cutterman” and holds the Coast Guard Coxsawin Insignia. He was joined on Thursday by his wife, Shawn, and daughters, Mae Elizabeth, Amelia Grace, Isla James and Ember Faith.
“This position, this platform, is a dream of mine, and this moment is deeply humbling,” Engel said. “So, to the crew, thank you for the warm welcome this week. Thank you for the enthusiasm. Thank you for the hard work. You all are phenomenal.
“Thank you for all that you’ve done with Cmdr. Winterberger. I will continue to care for you as she has. I believe in you as a group. I believe in you as individuals. I intend to take care of each one of you, and I hope that you, in return, take care of me. I’m excited to serve alongside you, and we are going to do wonderful and great things.”
Winterberger was honored with a Coast Guard Commendation Medal, presented to her during the ceremony by crew members of the Aspen. Homer Mayor Rachel Lord, Port Director Bryan Hawkins and Harbormaster Matt Clarke were recognized as in attendance.
The USCG Aspen is a 225-foot seagoing buoy tender homeported in Homer. The boat is equipped to service buoys offshore and in restricted waters, with a 49-person crew, including eight officers and 41 enlisted members. The boat was commissioned on Jan. 24, 2002.
Commanding Officer Corey Engel, Rear Adm. Megan Dean, and former ASPEN Commanding Officer Shea Winterberger smile for a photograph during the Change of Command ceremony on Thursday, June 26, on the Homer Spit . (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
