Commander Eric Para in charge of Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit

Posted 7/16/20

The Warwick Neck Lighthouse was the scene of a change-of-command US Coast Guard ceremony July 9. Commander Eric G. Para assumed the duties and responsibilities as Commanding Officer of the Civil Engineering Unit (CEU) Providence from Captain Joshua W.

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Commander Eric Para in charge of Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit

CHANGE OF COMMAND: Captain Joshua W. Fant and Commander Eric G. Para as pictured at the US Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit (CEU) Providence at the Warwick Neck Lighthouse.

Photo courtesy of Lt. Jordan Bogden

INTIMATE CETERMONY: An estimated 50 people attended the July 9 change of command ceremony at Warwick Light. Traditionally the ceremony is attended by many more, but because of the pandemic invitations were restricted.

Photo courtesy of Lt. Jordan Bogden

Posted Thursday, July 16, 2020 3:16 pm

The Warwick Neck Lighthouse was the scene of a change-of-command US Coast Guard ceremony July 9.

Commander Eric G. Para assumed the duties and responsibilities as Commanding Officer of the Civil Engineering Unit (CEU) Providence from Captain Joshua W. Fant.

Captain Wade Gesele, Commander, Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center, presided over the ceremony attended by about 50 key personnel and family members.

Usually the change of command ceremony is a far larger event with local and state officials and community leaders in attendance. Because of the pandemic, attendance was limited and the media was provided information post event.

Captain Fant, who served as CEU Providence Commanding Officer for the past two years, will continue his Coast Guard career in Boston. There he will pursue a degree in Systems Design Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Fant has been a part of the Coast Guard for 20 years. “It has been a true honor to serve as the Commanding Officer for this great unit. I enjoyed the good with the bad and all the times in between but most of all; I enjoyed working with some of the Coast Guard’s finest. Thank you for your support over the last 2 years!”

Fant, who has served 20 years in the Coast Guard, addressed his wife Jennifer and their children Brendan, Gavin, and Jillian. “I love you guys…you really make it possible for me to do what I love to do.”

Para reports to CEU Providence from the Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center in Norfolk, Virginia, where he served as the Business Operations Division Officer. Para along with his family, wife Latoya and children Aveline and Emerson, moved to Rhode Island in the past week.

“I consider it a great honor to now serve with you. My pledge is that we will face every challenge with our head on. My tasking to you is to keep moving forward and continue the outstanding professional support to the Coast Guard and its people.”

The Civil Engineering Unit (CEU) Providence provides engineering services to the geographic area of the First Coast Guard District extending from Maine to New Jersey. Para being the new Commanding Officer of CEU Providence closed out the ceremony.

“Thank you and have a great Coast Guard Day. All standing orders, regulations, and instructions remain in effect. XO [executive officer], take charge.”