USCGC Hollyhock welcomes a new commander

Port Huron Times Herald

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock on May 26, 2023.

The May morning sun shone brightly as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock welcomed a new commander to her deck.

The change of command ceremony took place at 10 a.m., Friday morning on the deck of the Hollyhock. Cmdr. Stephen Brickey's time on the vessel has come to an end after two years of service. He will soon leave the Hollyhock, her crew and Port Huron for his new position in Washington D.C. as the press assistant to the commandant, where he will give strategic communications and tell the stories of the Coast Guard.

He said that while he is very excited about the position, he will greatly miss Port Huron and his crew.

"I had a fantastic two years here," Brickey said. "This is a bittersweet moment."

Lt. Junior Grade Officer Henry Smith, left, presenting the Black Bull Certificate to Cmdr. Stephen Brickey, right.

Lt. Cmdr. Kent Hunt will be taking over Brickey's role on the Hollyhock. He was stationed in Duluth, Minnesota before arriving to his new position. However, he is not unfamiliar with the area. Not only is his wife from Port Huron, but he also served on the Hollyhock in 2016 as her operations officer.

"This is like coming back home," Hunt said.

Hunt said he is excited to start his new position and looking forward to developing a relationship with the crew.

Lt. Commander Kent Hunt, left, and Commander Stephen Brickey, right, on May 26, 2023.

Hunt said he will work to carry on the leadership that Brickey exemplified during his tenure on the Hollyhock. He said he will do his best to take care of the ship and her crew.

Brickey said that the ceremony was a celebration of change, not only because of the new commander, but also because the Hollyhock will soon leave Port Huron. In a few months, the vessel will leave the Great Lakes and journey with a new crew to Hawaii.

Color guard standing ready at the change of command ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock on May 26, 2023.

The Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia, which is currently undergoing maintenance, will be brought to Port Huron to be manned by Hunt and the current Hollyhock crew.

Brickey said its bittersweet to see the Hollyhock leave the Great Lakes. He said the ship has been a fixture in Port Huron for 20 years and has a long legacy in the Great Lakes.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.