PORT TOWNSEND — The Coast Guard Cutter Osprey has a new skipper.

At a change of command ceremony Friday morning, Master Chief Petty Officer John M. Litzenberger assumed command of the 87-foot cutter that is stationed in the Port Townsend marina.

Commissioned in 1999, it was the seventh of the popular 87-foot patrol boat class to be built and the first sent to the 13th Coast Guard District.

There are now nine in the Northwest district and 70 throughout the Coast Guard.

Hudson relieved

Litzenberger relieved Senior Chief Timothy J. Hudson, who has served two years in Port Townsend as the Osprey’s commanding officer.

He will become executive petty officer aboard the cutter Barbara Mabrity in Mobile, Ala.

Litzenberger, a member of the Coast Guard since 1983, made his introductions brief at the change of command ceremony and applauded the work done by Hudson in his two years as Osprey skipper.

“This crew works hard and it shows,” he said.

“It is truly an honor to take command and I look forward to the next two years with the Osprey.”

Hudson said his farewell was bittersweet.

“Anyone who has been on this side of the podium knows how I feel,” Hudson said.

“I know I am not usually a man of few words, but I am today.

“There are no words I can say to thank this crew. This is the finest crew I have ever sailed with.”

The Osprey has a crew of 12. The coastal patrol boat is responsible for the boarding of ships during inspections, the escorting of ships through the waters in the area and responding to water rescues.

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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com