Border Patrol Chief David V. Aguilar presided over the first formal change of command ceremony that transferred command of the Tucson Sector to Chief Patrol Agent Michael C. Nicley at a ceremony held at the Tucson Holiday Inn Palo Verde.

“Today’s Change of Command ceremony is historic and lays the foundation for the future,” said David Aguilar, Chief of the Border Patrol.

Photo Credit: Gerald L. Nino

Change of command ceremonies transfer the authority and responsibility from one leader to another.

A week later, CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner presided over two additional change of command ceremonies in California. On February 23, 2005, in San Diego, Chief Patrol Agent Darryl Griffen assumed the leadership role of over 1,800 agents and employees in the San Diego Sector from retired Chief William T. Veal. The next day in El Centro, Calif., the ceremony was repeated as Chief Patrol Agent Carl McClafferty, III, assumed command of the El Centro sector from retired Chief Kenneth R. Stitt.

New leadership
Prior to being named Chief, Office of Border Patrol in May 2004, Chief Aguilar was the Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector. Michael C. Nicley had been Acting Chief Patrol Agent for the Tucson Sector since Aguilar’s departure for Washington, D.C..

Chief Nicely began his career with the Border Patrol in 1980 in the San Diego sector and quickly moved up the ranks holding many leadership positions. “In his career, Chief Patrol Agent Nicley has dedicated over 24-years of service to his country and to the Border Patrol. Under his leadership, I am confident that each and every one of you will continue to serve our Nation with dignity and honor,” said Chief Aguilar.

The latest Chief of the El Centro Sector, Carl McClafferty III began his distinguished Border Patrol service 28 years ago in Chula Vista California. His career has involved many challenging management positions including Commander of Border Patrol Tactical Unit, Chief Patrol Agent of Detroit Sector, and Chief Patrol Agent of El Paso Flight Operations.

Chief Patrol Agent Darryl Griffen is assuming control over the Sector where his Border Patrol career began 23 years ago. He was Assistant Patrol Agent In Charge and Patrol Agent In Charge at El Cajon Station, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent San Diego Sector, and Deputy Chief Patrol Agent El Centro Sector.

The ceremony
Most change of command ceremonies are amalgams of ritual punctuated by silence. They begin with preliminary honors. The room falls quiet as the crowd hears the sound of marching feet. The CBP Border Patrol Honor Guard moves through the parted crowd in formation and presents the colors.

Voices raised in the unity of song breaks the silence as those present sing the National Anthem and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. An invocation follows.

The Department of Homeland Security law enforcement badge is presented to the new Chief. Not all change of command ceremonies include presentation of the official CBP badge, but if the badges have not been distributed at this location, this too is a component of the ceremony. It represents the commitment that all CBP Border Patrol agents have to preserving and protecting the United States and the liberties that we all cherish. After pinning on the badge, the new Chief takes the Oath of Office.

Passing on the tradition
The ceremony ends with the symbolic passing of the “colors” represented by the Border Patrol guidon. For those unfamiliar with the term, a guidon is a flag or pennant that identifies a company, troop, or organization. The Border Patrol guidon used is the original and is permanently housed at CBP headquarters in Washington, D.C. Twenty green and gold streamers representing each of the 20 operational sectors of the Border Patrol surround the guidon. Passing the guidon from one Chief to another represents the passing of trust and well being of a sector from one to another, but it also perpetuates the seamless tradition of vigilance, service, and integrity—values held sacred by the Border Patrol.

With all uniformed officers standing at attention the outgoing Chief passes the guidon to the new Chief. The New Chief Patrol Agent salutes the outgoing Chief and says, “Sir, I assume command.” These are simple words that signify the taking on of complex responsibility.

Ceremonies across the country Change of command ceremonies are being engrained as a tradition in the Border Patrol. There was a change of command ceremony in the McAllen Sector on April 20, 2005 during which incoming Chief Patrol Agent Lynne Underdown was sworn in as the Sector chief. The following day, April 21, 2005 the Miami sector swore in their new Sector Chief Paul Blocker in a change of command of ceremony. On June 2, 2005 the Yuma Sector will swear in their new Chief, Ronald S. Colburn.

Change is good
Victor Hugo, the famous French poet said, “Change your leaves, keep intact your roots.” Change is a clear indicator that an organization is evolving and growing. On the other hand, tradition and ritual allow us to connect to those who preceded us and endow the present with meaning and richness. CBP’s Border Patrol has embraced this notion establishing a new tradition of change of command ceremonies while moving towards the future. LK