U.S. Coast Guard changes commandant

WASHINGTON, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Coast Guard on Friday held a commandant change ceremony to welcome its new leader, Admiral Karl Schultz.

"I have complete confidence that Karl will carry out his new mission with the same talent, strength, and devotion that have characterized his entire career," Trump said in a speech at the ceremony, which was held at the Coast Guard Headquarters.

Trump pledged more support for the Coast Guard, touting that the service is "on course to receive its first new heavy icebreaker in more than forty years."

Trump also promised to provide other necessary ships, boats, and equipment for the service.

As the United States is trying to beef up its military presence in the Arctic Circle, the U.S. Coast Guard has been expanding its operations in the region.

Karl Schultz graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1983, throughout his career at the service, he has served in five Coast Guard districts and 40 states.

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the five branches of the U.S. armed forces, its main tasks include maritime law enforcement, maritime patrol, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and the maintenance of river, intracoastal and offshore aids to navigation.

The U.S. Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security at peace times, but can be transferred under the command the Pentagon at a time of need. Enditem