Photo Release

ASTORIA, Ore. - Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore speaks during an Ancient Albatross Change of Watch Ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Astoria Thursday, July 14, 2011. Ancient Albatross is an honorary title given to active duty Coast Guard members, both enlisted and officer, who have the longest history in aviation among the service. Blore, who served in the Coast Guard for 36 years, received the title in 2009. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Shawn Eggert

ASTORIA, Ore. - Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore passes his aviator's scarf on to Vice Adm. John Currier during an Ancient Albatross Change of Watch Ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Astoria Thursday, July 14, 2011. Ancient Albatross is an honorary title given to active duty Coast Guard members, both enlisted and officer, who have the longest history in aviation among the service. Blore, who served in the Coast Guard for 36 years, received the title in 2009. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Shawn Eggert

ASTORIA, Ore. - Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore receives a Distinguished Service Medal from Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert Papp during his retirement ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Astoria Thursday, July 14, 2011. Blore, who served for 36 years, ended his career with the Coast Guard as the Thirteenth District Commander based in Seattle, but he held the position of Group/Air Station Commander in Astoria from 1997-2000. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Shawn Eggert

ASTORIA, Ore. - Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore receives a National Ensign from Capt. Tony Hahn during his retirement ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Astoria Thursday, July 14, 2011. Blore, who served for 36 years, ended his career with the Coast Guard as the Thirteenth District Commander based in Seattle, but he held the position of Group/Air Station Commander in Astoria from 1997-2000. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Shawn Eggert

ASTORIA - Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore retired and passed on the title of Ancient Albatross to Vice Adm. John Currier during a Change of Watch ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Ore., Thursday.

Blore was relieved as the 13th District Commander on July 12, 2011, by Rear Adm. Keith A. Taylor, and retired at the conclusion of the Ancient Albatross ceremony.

Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr., Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, oversaw the ceremony.

The Coast Guard Ancient Albatross Award was instituted in 1966 to honor the Coast Guard aviator on active duty who has held that designation for the longest period.  In 1988, the Enlisted Ancient Albatross Award was established for the enlisted member on active duty with the earliest graduation date from class “A” school in a Coast Guard aviation rating.

Rear Adm. Blore served the American public for more than 36 years.

Rear Adm. Blore assumed command of the Thirteenth Coast Guard District in July 2009. As District Commander, he was responsible for U.S. Coast Guard operations covering four states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana), more than 4,400 miles of coastline, 600 miles of inland waterways, and 125 miles of international border with Canada. He was in charge of more than 5,770 active duty, reserve duty, civilian and Auxiliary men and women; whom annual conducted more than 3,000 search-and-rescue missions, executed more than 3,200 law enforcement boardings, and inspected more than 5,700 vessels.

Rear Adm. Blore graduated, with honors, from the Coast Guard Academy in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in economics and holds an MPA Degree from Columbia University. His personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, five awards of the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals and the Transportation 9-11 Medal, as well as other service and campaign awards.