USCG release - SEATTLE — The Coast Guard Northwest District held a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Base Seattle, Friday. Vice Adm. Joseph R. Buzzella, commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area and Defense Force West, presided over the ceremony in which Rear Adm. Michael E. Campbell relieved Rear Adm. Arex B. Avanni as the Northwest District commander. Avanni served as the Northwest District commander from July 2025 to August 2026, overseeing more than 3,000 personnel and operational assets, including 11 cutters, 132 boats and 11 aircraft. Avanni is retiring after 31 years of Coast Guard service. Throughout his career, he led maritime responses to several major national incidents. Most notably, he led the Incident Management Team that coordinated Coast Guard port security efforts in New York City following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.  “Serving as the Northwest District commander has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Avanni. “The Coast Guard men and women who live and operate in the Pacific Northwest are among the most dedicated professionals I have ever known. Every day, they work tirelessly to save lives, facilitate the maritime economy, and enforce maritime law. Leading them has been immensely rewarding.”  Campbell now assumes responsibility for all Coast Guard operations throughout the Northwest District, which encompasses the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. He was previously the Director of Systems Integration and Chief Acquisition Officer where he oversaw all Coast Guard acquisition programs within a $25 billion portfolio, encompassing support, personnel, finance, contracting, and research and development activities.  “It is a profound honor to assume command of the Northwest District,” said Campbell “Our mission is clear: we save lives, defend our maritime borders and approaches, respond to crises, and ensure the flow of commerce vital to our nation's economic prosperity. Building upon the legacy of excellence established by Rear Admiral Avanni, we will work alongside our partners to maintain readiness and safeguard the waters of the Pacific Northwest.”  The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority, accountability, and responsibility from one commanding officer to another.