USCG Wilmington Sector gets new commanding officer

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — There is a new commanding officer in town, as of Tuesday Capt. Jerry Barnes is now in charge of the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington.

“I’m very excited. I’m born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. So it’s somewhat of a homecoming,” Barnes said.

After serving various roles in several places including Washington DC, Florida and most recently Virginia Capt. Barnes is now back in his home state.

“Come full circle. 25 years in and it’s a nice capstone. And a nice experience. I’m just honored by the privilege to be here,” Barnes said.

For Capt. Barnes it is not his first time serving in the area. Early in his career he was stationed in Wrightsville Beach for three months. But now, he has much more responsibility.

“All of the missions related to safety, safety of life, safety of property and protecting the marine environment,” Barnes said.

Capt. Barnes says he is looking forward to working with state and local partners to keep people on the water safe.

“Doing the mission quickly, safely, and efficiently,” Barnes said.

It is a job Capt. Barnes says he is ready and excited for.

“Most excited for really just working in a great state. And doing a mission that I love and serving my country and serving the people here,” Barnes said.

Capt. Barnes’ new position comes shortly after Capt. Patricia Hill retired to spend more time with her family.