Military Retirement Ceremony – Event Photography
Memorial Day weekend saw the retirement ceremony of Lieutenant Commander Michael A. Yanez of the United States Coast Guard. The event was held at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach.
Lieutenant Commander Yanez was the Long-Range Surveillance Projects Branch Chief at US Coast Guard Station, Elizabeth City, NC. Having served as the LRS Projects Branch Chief, he oversaw all projects impacting the life cycle and missionization of 15 HC-130J and 18 HC-130H assets valued at more than 1.45 Billion dollars. In addition, he served as the California State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) Engineering Officer.
A native of Atlanta, GA, he first joined the US Army in 2002 and flew UH-60 Blackhawks for approximately seven years. Lieutenant Commander Yanez completed three Middle East tours and served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Pakistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Joining the US Coast Guard in 2009, his previous assignments included Air Stations in New Orleans and Detroit where he served as an MH-65 Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Examiner. Upon Transferring to Air Statio Cape Cod he served as the MH-60T Platform Engineer and as a MH-60T Instructor Pilot and Flight examiner. His final assignment at ALC Elizabeth City had him serve as an Aircraft Commander in the legendary Lockheed HC-130H Hercules aircraft.
He currently lives in Chesapeake, VA with his wife Mandi, and two daughters, Revkah and Meah. He enjoys spending quality time with his family and teaching others the joys and challenges of learning to fly small airplanes.
The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by the US Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City Color Guard Team, the National Anthem sung by Mrs. Rebecca Seekatz, and an invocation by Captain Tavis Long, US Navy Chaplain. The Presiding Official was Commander Brian W. Seekatz. Lieutenant Commander Yanez was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, given a Presidential Citation, and a shadow box presentation with other gifts. Finally, he participated in his Logbook Closeout with Commander Jon Bartel of the Aviation Logistics Center Elizabeth City.
Next, Lieutenant Commander Yanez delivered remarks followed by a Flag Folding Ceremony. The ceremony concluded with Departure Honors and a cake-cutting reception.
