The U.S. Coast Guard is expected to move a top security position, the captain of the port, from Portland to Astoria next year.

Coast Guard officials have been discussing the move with Port of Astoria Executive Director Jack Crider over the past few weeks.

Crider said the commander, along with dozens of support staff, will be based at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria after the move, which is scheduled to begin in 2010.

The move will result in an additional 50 to 60 families transferring to the Astoria area and an expansion of the Coast Guard air operations at the Astoria base, according to Crider.

Cmdr. Frederick G. Meyer is the current captain of the port, responsible for the protection and security of vessels, harbors, waterfront facilities, anchorages, bridges, safety and security zones, ports and waterways for Sector Portland.

At a meeting Tuesday night, the Port of Astoria Commission passed a resolution thanking and supporting the commandant of the Coast Guard and its officers.