San Francisco native ends 30-year Coast Guard career

Document Number: 2449

	Fifth District U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: July 25, 2008 Contact: (757) 398-6274
San Francisco native ends 30-year Coast Guard career
PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Rieger, officer in charge of the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Seahorse, homeported here, will retire from active duty at a change-of-command ceremony at the Integrated Support Command Portsmouth, today. Rieger, a native of San Francisco, is a 30 year veteran. He is a 1978 graduate of Galileo High School "During my career I have sailed many of the worlds seven seas, from the Bering to the North and South Pacific, the North and South Atlantic, the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Black seas too, while also visiting more than 30 countries," said Rieger. "I have more than 15 years experience in search and rescue and small boat units and have engaged in about 2000 rescue cases in my career." Rieger will be relieved as officer-in-charge by Master Chief Petty Officer William R. James. James recently served as the Coast Guard Atlantic Area command master chief. "I will remain in Newport News, Va., and I intend to finish my bachelor's degree," said Rieger.
### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.