Multimedia Release

ASTORIA, Ore.— Rear Adm. Gary T. Blore speaks during the Sector Columbia River activation ceremony at Air Station Astoria, Ore., Monday.

Sector Columbia River was made official during the ceremony, in which Sector Portland, Ore., combined with Group/Air Station Astoria.

Sector Columbia River is part of an initiative commonly referred to as "sectorization," part of a nationwide effort to consolidate the many responsibilities, missions and jurisdictions within the Coast Guard. The move is also aimed at increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Coast Guard personnel and assets.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kelly Parker.

ASTORIA, Ore.— Sector Columbia River is activated during a ceremony at Air Station Astoria, Ore., Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, in which Sector Portland, Ore., combined with Group/Air Station Astoria.

Sector Columbia River is part of an initiative commonly referred to as "sectorization," part of a nationwide effort to consolidate the many responsibilities, missions and jurisdictions within the Coast Guard. The move is also aimed at increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Coast Guard personnel and assets.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kelly Parker.

ASTORIA, Ore.— Capt. Douglas E. Kaup speaks during the Sector Columbia River activation ceremony at Air Station Astoria, Ore., Monday, Aug. 23, 2010.

Sector Columbia River was made official during the ceremony, in which Sector Portland, Ore., combined with Group/Air Station Astoria.

Sector Columbia River is part of an initiative commonly referred to as "sectorization," part of a nationwide effort to consolidate the many responsibilities, missions and jurisdictions within the Coast Guard. The move is also aimed at increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Coast Guard personnel and assets.

U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kelly Parker.

ASTORIA, Ore.— Rear Adm. Gary T. Blore shakes hands with Capt. Douglas E. Kaup during the Sector Columbia River activation ceremony at Air Station Astoria, Ore., Monday.

Sector Columbia River was made official during the ceremony, in which Sector Portland, Ore., combined with Group/Air Station Astoria.

Sector Columbia River is part of an initiative commonly referred to as "sectorization," part of a nationwide effort to consolidate the many responsibilities, missions and jurisdictions within the Coast Guard. The move is also aimed at increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Coast Guard personnel and assets.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Auxiliarist Larry Kellis.

ASTORIA, Ore. —The Air Station Astoria, Ore., color guard presents colors during the opening of the Sector Columbia River activation ceremony at Air Station Astoria, Monday.

Sector Columbia River was made official during the ceremony, in which Sector Portland, Ore., combined with Group/Air Station Astoria.

Sector Columbia River is part of an initiative commonly referred to as "sectorization," part of a nationwide effort to consolidate the many responsibilities, missions and jurisdictions within the Coast Guard. The move is also aimed at increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of Coast Guard personnel and assets.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn.