ELIZABETH CITY
Capt. John T. Hardin assumed command Wednesday of Elizabeth City Coast Guard Air Station, replacing Capt. Michael J. Andres.
Hardin has served in Elizabeth City at the Aircraft Repair and Supply Center and as commanding officer of the project to upgrade the C-130 Hercules, the aircraft used in hundreds of rescue missions off the North Carolina coast.
Andres moves on to an assignment at the 5th Coast Guard District in Portsmouth.
During Andres' three-year tenure, the Elizabeth City air station received several national awards, including Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year in 2006, Naval Helicopter Association Aircrew of the Year in 2007 and Naval Helicopter Association Rescue Swimmer of the Year.
In March 2006, 79 people, including 11 air crews, were honored for rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina that included airlifting hundreds of victims stranded by floodwaters.
Hardin becomes the 29th commanding officer for Elizabeth City Coast Guard Air Station, commissioned in 1940 with four officers and 52 enlisted men, according to a program published for Wednesday's change-of-command ceremony. The air station now has 47 officers, 356 enlisted personnel and four civilians.
The air station and other commands at the Elizabeth City base typically employ about 600 civilians and 900 active-duty personnel.
Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com
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