Rear Admiral Paul Thomas, commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, presents Capt. Jim Spitler with the Meritorious Service Medal for his superior performance of duties while serving as the commanding officer of Air Station Houston from June 2017 to June 2019 in Houston, Texas, on June 28, 2019. The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command.U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Johanna Strickland.