Guardians,
Earlier today, I presided over the 129th Commencement ceremonies at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Despite the overcast skies, the Academy grounds sparkled and the class of 2010 brightened the scenery in their dress whites. 193 cadets received their commissions as Ensigns and their Bachelor of Science degrees as they prepared to report to their first units later in June. Three international cadets also graduated and they will serve in their home countries.
It's always a pleasure to return to the Academy but this one was a little more special as I was delivering my last set of remarks to the Corps of Cadets before my own change of command on 25 May. My time as Commandant coincided with the class of 2010 so we shared a special connection. They have achieved amazing academic and athletic achievements while gaining valuable operational experience during their summer training programs. The Distinguished Graduate, First Class Matthew Delahunty, talked about the class of 2010's journey and he inspired everyone in attendance.
I fashioned my remarks on a similar theme emphasizing that these new Ensigns have a duty to reconcile future leadership opportunities with the competencies they will gain throughout their journey as officers. They have an obligation to live up to their class motto "Eternal Guardians of the Sea" and I'm confident they are up for the challenge. Their country needs them now more than ever as the value of Coast Guard missions increases with every passing year. I also took the opportunity to present the Academy with a Unit Commendation to recognize their outstanding efforts to educate and train future Coast Guard leaders.
It was a great Coast Guard day and one that I will always remember. Good luck to the class of 2010!
Admiral Thad W. Allen
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
AMVER Awards Ceremony
Last night I spoke at the awards ceremony for the Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) System held at the National Press Club. AMVER originated in 1958 and its primary mission is to maintain and provide information on commercial vessel locations across the globe for use in search and rescue operations.
The AMVER Awards Program was inaugurated in 1971 to recognize those vessels which regularly participate in the AMVER system. Ships flying the various colored AMVER pennants are a constant reminder of that ship and company's commitment to safety of life at sea. Prominent display of AMVER Certificates of Merit in company boardrooms and on the bridges of ships attests to the prestige accorded these awards. The AMVER Awards program serves the dual purpose of rewarding ships already participating in the program and assists in the recruitment of new ships.
In 2009, AMVER registered vessels saved an amazing 237 lives. On average, more than 3,600 AMVER ships were available "on plot" each day. December 2009 also holds the all-time record with 3,809 vessels on plot during a 24-hour period.
The IMO has designated 2010 as the “Year of the Seafarer.” The commercial shipping interests and vessels that participate in AMVER demonstrate their strong commitment to the safety and life of seafarers world-wide through their constant readiness and willingness to assist those in need. I commend their efforts and thank them for their service!
VADM David Pekoske
The AMVER Awards Program was inaugurated in 1971 to recognize those vessels which regularly participate in the AMVER system. Ships flying the various colored AMVER pennants are a constant reminder of that ship and company's commitment to safety of life at sea. Prominent display of AMVER Certificates of Merit in company boardrooms and on the bridges of ships attests to the prestige accorded these awards. The AMVER Awards program serves the dual purpose of rewarding ships already participating in the program and assists in the recruitment of new ships.
In 2009, AMVER registered vessels saved an amazing 237 lives. On average, more than 3,600 AMVER ships were available "on plot" each day. December 2009 also holds the all-time record with 3,809 vessels on plot during a 24-hour period.
The IMO has designated 2010 as the “Year of the Seafarer.” The commercial shipping interests and vessels that participate in AMVER demonstrate their strong commitment to the safety and life of seafarers world-wide through their constant readiness and willingness to assist those in need. I commend their efforts and thank them for their service!
VADM David Pekoske
PAC Change of Command and VADM Breckenridge Retirement
On Monday, VADM Manson Brown relieved VADM Jody Breckenridge as Commander, Pacific Area and Coast Guard Defense Forces West. I had the distinct honor of presiding over both the Change of Command ceremony and VADM Breckenridge's retirement ceremony. Enduring true Coast Guard weather, the ceremonies proceeded smoothly at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, CA with our newly-commissioned CGC WAESCHE moored bow-to-bow with CGC MORGENTHAU.
The entire Coast Guard thanks VADM Breckenridge for her career of Service to the Coast Guard and the Nation. In addition to her responsibilities in the Pacific Area theater of operations, VADM Breckenridge oversaw continued development of the Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM), the Deployable Operations Group (DOG) and our Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), all National-level commands. Prior to reporting to PAC Area, VADM Breckenridge served simultaneously as the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources and the Director of the Strategic Transformation Team, responsible for synchronizing and aligning the Coast Guard's modernization efforts. Her performance, and the accomplishments of the women and men she has led, have been outstanding.
Congratulations to VADM Breckenridge (Ret.), and best of luck to VADM Brown!
VADM David Pekoske
The entire Coast Guard thanks VADM Breckenridge for her career of Service to the Coast Guard and the Nation. In addition to her responsibilities in the Pacific Area theater of operations, VADM Breckenridge oversaw continued development of the Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM), the Deployable Operations Group (DOG) and our Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON), all National-level commands. Prior to reporting to PAC Area, VADM Breckenridge served simultaneously as the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources and the Director of the Strategic Transformation Team, responsible for synchronizing and aligning the Coast Guard's modernization efforts. Her performance, and the accomplishments of the women and men she has led, have been outstanding.
Congratulations to VADM Breckenridge (Ret.), and best of luck to VADM Brown!
VADM David Pekoske
Monday, May 17, 2010
MCPO-CGRF Change of Watch
On Saturday, 15 May, MCPO Mark Allen relieved MCPO Jeffrey Smith as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force (MCPO-CGRF). Here is the ALCOAST on the Change of Watch ceremony:
R 151606Z MAY 10
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//VCG//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01321//
MSGID/OTHER//
ALCOAST 247/10
COMDTNOTE 1321
SUBJ: MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE FORCE
1. I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT MASTER CHIEF MARK H. ALLEN HAS RELIEVED MASTER CHIEF JEFFERY D. SMITH AS THE FIFTH MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE FORCE AT 1030 TODAY.
2. MASTER CHIEF ALLEN HAS DEMONSTRATED HIS COMMITMENT TO OUR CORE VALUES BY HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE DURING A 33-YEAR COAST GUARD CAREER. MASTER CHIEF ALLEN MOST RECENTLY SERVED AS SECTOR JACKSONVILLES RESERVE COMMAND MASTER CHIEF. HE HAS SERVED BOTH AT CGHQ AND IN THE FIELD. HE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE NATURE OF THE RESERVE FORCE AS HE HAS BEEN RECALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY IN RESPONSE TO THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS, AIR FLORIDA FLIGHT 90 CRASH, AND THE MARIEL BOAT LIFT. HE HAS ALSO SERVED AS A MEMBER OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVIST MAGAZINE EDITORIAL BOARD. DUE TO HIS VAST PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATION TO COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN, HE WILL BE A GREAT ADDITION TO THE COAST GUARD SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM.
3. I THANK MASTER CHIEF SMITH FOR HIS 38 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL MILITARY SERVICE TO THE COAST GUARD AND THE NATION. HIS LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL SKILL, AND WISE COUNSEL WILL BE MISSED. HE WAS TRULY DEDICATED TO THE WELFARE OF THE ENTIRE COAST GUARD WORKFORCE AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. THROUGHOUT HIS TENURE, HE ELEVATED THE VALUE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE RESERVE FORCE TO NEW HEIGHTS HELPING THE COAST GUARD MEET ITS COMMITMENT AS AMERICAS MARITIME GUARDIAN. HE HAS LEFT AN ENDURING LEGACY FOR FUTURE GUARDIANS, BOTH ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE, TO EMULATE AND I WISH HIM AND HIS WIFE MARILYN ALL THE BEST IN RETIREMENT.
4. RELEASED BY VADM DAVID PEKOSKE.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
R 151606Z MAY 10
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//VCG//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01321//
MSGID/OTHER//
ALCOAST 247/10
COMDTNOTE 1321
SUBJ: MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE FORCE
1. I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT MASTER CHIEF MARK H. ALLEN HAS RELIEVED MASTER CHIEF JEFFERY D. SMITH AS THE FIFTH MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVE FORCE AT 1030 TODAY.
2. MASTER CHIEF ALLEN HAS DEMONSTRATED HIS COMMITMENT TO OUR CORE VALUES BY HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE DURING A 33-YEAR COAST GUARD CAREER. MASTER CHIEF ALLEN MOST RECENTLY SERVED AS SECTOR JACKSONVILLES RESERVE COMMAND MASTER CHIEF. HE HAS SERVED BOTH AT CGHQ AND IN THE FIELD. HE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE NATURE OF THE RESERVE FORCE AS HE HAS BEEN RECALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY IN RESPONSE TO THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS, AIR FLORIDA FLIGHT 90 CRASH, AND THE MARIEL BOAT LIFT. HE HAS ALSO SERVED AS A MEMBER OF THE COAST GUARD RESERVIST MAGAZINE EDITORIAL BOARD. DUE TO HIS VAST PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATION TO COAST GUARD MEN AND WOMEN, HE WILL BE A GREAT ADDITION TO THE COAST GUARD SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM.
3. I THANK MASTER CHIEF SMITH FOR HIS 38 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL MILITARY SERVICE TO THE COAST GUARD AND THE NATION. HIS LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL SKILL, AND WISE COUNSEL WILL BE MISSED. HE WAS TRULY DEDICATED TO THE WELFARE OF THE ENTIRE COAST GUARD WORKFORCE AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. THROUGHOUT HIS TENURE, HE ELEVATED THE VALUE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE RESERVE FORCE TO NEW HEIGHTS HELPING THE COAST GUARD MEET ITS COMMITMENT AS AMERICAS MARITIME GUARDIAN. HE HAS LEFT AN ENDURING LEGACY FOR FUTURE GUARDIANS, BOTH ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE, TO EMULATE AND I WISH HIM AND HIS WIFE MARILYN ALL THE BEST IN RETIREMENT.
4. RELEASED BY VADM DAVID PEKOSKE.
5. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
Friday, May 14, 2010
D1 Change of Command and RADM Nimmich Retirement
Earlier today, RADM Dan Neptun relieved RADM Joe Nimmich as the First District Commander in an outstanding ceremony at Boston's historic Faneuil Hall. The Change of Command is a time-honored tradition that represents a transfer of total responsibility, authority, and accountability from one individual to another. VADM Parker, our Atlantic Area Commander, was the presiding official.
It was my honor to preside over RADM Nimmich's retirement ceremony. Having known and served with RADM Nimmich for more than 37 years, I had the distinct pleasure of highlighting his career of dedicated service and his unmatched commitment to the well-being of those that have worked both with and for him. His performance and the extraordinary work of the men and women of the First District is second-to-none.
Congratulations to RADM Nimmich (Ret.), and best of luck to RADM Neptun!
VADM David Pekoske
It was my honor to preside over RADM Nimmich's retirement ceremony. Having known and served with RADM Nimmich for more than 37 years, I had the distinct pleasure of highlighting his career of dedicated service and his unmatched commitment to the well-being of those that have worked both with and for him. His performance and the extraordinary work of the men and women of the First District is second-to-none.
Congratulations to RADM Nimmich (Ret.), and best of luck to RADM Neptun!
VADM David Pekoske
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