Krystyn (Stencel '00) Pecora takes command of Coast Guard Cutter

The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that marks a formal transfer of total responsibility and authority from one individual to another. Cmdr. Pecora relieves Cmdr. Jonathan Harris as commanding officer of Campbell.

After graduating from Rosary, Krystyn attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and earned her BS in Civil Engineering in 2004. She then started her career in the U.S. Coast Guard, and later earned her MS in Communications and Media Studies from Florida State University in 2013.

“My career in the U.S. Coast Guard has been extremely rewarding,” she said. “The Coast Guard is unique as we are both a military service as well as a law enforcement agency. Our core missions focus on helping protect the American people here at home as well as protecting the maritime environment.”

 

“ I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world on our ships and have crossed both the Atlantic and the Pacific, and have even spent time in the Arctic,” she said. “There’s no ‘normal’ day in the Coast Guard; each day holds a new challenge or adventure to take on. However, the thing that keeps me committed to the Coast Guard is some of the amazing people I’ve had the privilege to work with.” 

 

At Rosary, Krystyn played golf all four years. One of her favorite Rosary memories is dressing up for Spirit Week. “I loved some of the crazy outfits we would put together. It was always a great time to see some of the creativity amongst different members of the class.”

 

Asked how Rosary prepared her for college and life after graduation, Krystyn said, “The thing I carry with me from Rosary is the importance of helping others and how fulfilling that can be when it’s a core part of your work.  Obviously, the Coast Guard is known for its rescues in the wake of hurricanes or maritime accidents, which is a very tangible result of that mentality. However, how Coast Guard members take care of each other both personally and professionally makes it a great community to work in overall, and has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my entire career.”

 

Rosary congratulates Krystyn on her new assignment. Rosary is so proud of her commitment to service and all she has accomplished!