Gathering at CG Base Serves as Farewell, Welcome to Outgoing, Incoming Captains

CAPE MAY – Unending rain that sometimes plagues this city did not dampen the warm feelings that permeated the May 6 farewell dinner to honor departing Capt. Todd Prestidge as commanding officer of Training Center Cape May.  
Several dozen friends, family, community leaders and well-wishers gathered at the Harbor View All Hands Club to welcome new faces, and bid farewell to others, including Prestidge and his wife Corry who both became deeply involved in the community during their time at the training center.
Prestidge takes particular pride in having assisted in Cape May County’s designation as a Coast Guard Community. He stated that “the community has never been closer or more aligned with the Coast Guard than it is right now.”
His only regret: “I never caught a tuna” during his time in the enlisted member’s “hometown” of Cape May.
The traditional change-of-command ceremony is not scheduled until June; when that day arrives, the Prestidge family will relocate to Washington, D.C. where Prestidge will serve in the Office of Human Resources.
Ironically, the incoming commanding officer, Capt. Owen Gibbons recently served at TRACEN as its executive officer. He attended the dinner to ensure that the transition of command occurs smoothly as well as to get reacquainted with many Coast Guard personnel he already knew and others that he will know when he assumes command.
Gibbons has an extensive connection to the Cape May/Philadelphia area; he completed his graduate degree program at the University of Pennsylvania in 2006. Last weekend the Coast Guard Community Festival took place on the base; proof positive that the newly reinforced relationship between Cape May County and the Coast Guard continues to strengthen due, in large measure, to the efforts of Capt. and Mrs. Todd Prestidge.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.