The Coast Guard formally recognized the city of Wilmington as a Coast Guard City Tuesday at Thalian Hall in Wilmington.

It marks the fourth time the city of Wilmington has been recognized by the service as an official Coast Guard City.

Capt. Bion Stewart, commander of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, presented the letter from Adm. Karl L. Schultz, Coast Guard commandant, to Mayor Bill Saffo formally redesignating the city of Wilmington as a Coast Guard City.

“The close relationship between the city of Wilmington and the Coast Guard is unique and reflects the shared commitment between the citizens of this great community and the Coast Guard men and women who are dedicated to serving them,” said Stewart.

The designation is not permanent, and communities must reapply every five years.

City of Wilmington officials, in cooperation with Coast Guard Sector North Carolina personnel, documented their efforts to support the Coast Guard in the city’s application package.

After a review process at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, the application was forwarded for congressional approval and designation as an official Coast Guard City.