NEW LONDON, Conn. - First Class Cadet Michael Ahlin, a 2004 graduate of R.A. Long High School and son of Jan and Valerie Ahlin of Longview, Wash., was named the U.S. Coast Guard Academy regimental commander for the fall semester during a ceremony on the Washington Parade Field here Monday.

The regimental commander, the highest ranking cadet in the corps, along with the rest of the regimental staff, tends to the administration of cadet companies and activities at the cadet level.

The new regimental commander began his Coast Guard career after completing three years of college course work at Washington State University in criminal justice.

With only six classes, the equivalent of one semester, standing between himself and graduation, Ahlin decided to hit the reset button and start anew at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as a swab in 2007. 

Ahlin had the added pressure of time to make his decision to attend CGA due to the academy's maximum age eligibility requirement of 22.

Now, with less than a year before graduating with a degree in Government and earning a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard, Ahlin is taking on another challenge by leading the more than 1,000 members who make up the academy's Corps of Cadets during the fall semester.

NEW LONDON, Conn. - First Class Cadet Michael Ahlin (left) exchanges shoulder boards with First Class Cadet Michael Burke during a regimental commander change of command ceremony at the academy's Washington Parade Field here Monday, Aug. 16, 2010.

Ahlin was able to compete against other high-performing cadets during two-week interview process which took into account one's leadership philosophy, academic standing and military bearing. 

"It is an honor to have been selected as the fall semester regimental commander," said Ahlin. "I look forward to serving the Corps of Cadets and to, hopefully, make a positive and lasting impact on the U.S. Coast Guard Academy."

During his time at the academy, Ahlin participated as a pitcher on the NCAA Division III varsity baseball team and held the position of vice president for the Society for Politics and International Affairs club.

The regimental commander is the liaison between the commandant of cadets and the corps. Other responsibilities include maintaining good order and discipline, overseeing welfare of the student body and ensuring cadets comply to the regulations and policies established by the superintendent and commandant of cadets.

Editor’s Note: Michael Ahlin is available for media interviews. Media interested in speaking with Ahlin are asked to contact the Public Affairs Office at (860) 444-8270.

NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Coast Guard Academy Class of 2014 is scheduled to receive their shoulder boards during a ceremony at the academy's Washington Parade Field here Monday at 12:50 p.m.

The ceremony will also include a change in the regimental command of the corps of cadets.

The ceremony marks the formal acceptance of new cadets into the corps after completing seven weeks of basic military training known as "swab summer." Additionally, the event marks the official transfer of responsibility and authority from the outgoing summer regimental command staff to the first class cadets, who lead the corps through the first semester.

"This ceremony is significant because it recognizees the hard work by our newest cadets and their cadet cadre," said Rear Adm. J. Scott Burhoe, superintendent of the academy. "It is also a change in leadership for the corps of cadets. I have been impressed all summer by the cadet leadership along with the enthusiasm and discipline of the Class of 2014."

"In the time it takes to salute, total responsibility and accountability for running the daily activities of the corps of cadets will change from one cadet to another. It is inspiring to see how enthusiastic the cadets are to lead, and particularly memorable for me because I've watched the Class of 2011 develop over the last three years," he said.

Wearing ranks has been a long military tradition. In the past, ranks have included such symbols as feathers, sashes and stripes. The badges of rank have been worn on hats, shoulder and around the waist and chest. The fourth class cadet shoulder board is a navy blue board without stripes.

Media and public are welcome to attend Monday's ceremony. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at an alternate location on campus. Media are asked to contact the public affairs office at 860-444-8270 if interested in attending.

WHO:      Coast Guard Academy Class of 2014

WHAT:    A ceremony will be held in which the Class of 2014 will receive their class flag.

WHEN:    Saturday, July 24, 11a.m.

WHERE:  Mystic Seaport

BACKGROUND:   The event marks the halfway point for the new cadets’ passage through “Swab Summer,” the seven-week summer training program designed to prepare the freshman class for the rigors of life at a military service academy.

The Flag Ceremony gives the Class of 2014 an opportunity to show their family and friends the progression they have made on their way to becoming cadets and future officers in the U.S. Coast Guard.

All Academy personnel/staff, family members of swabs, sponsor families currently sponsoring swabs and media are invited to attend the ceremony at Mystic Seaport.  Admission will be free for individuals in uniform, those who present a valid military I.D., family members of swabs, or sponsor families currently sponsoring a swab. 

In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the fifth deck of Roland Hall at the Academy.

For more information please contact the Coast Guard Academy Public Affairs office at (860) 444-8270.

The College Swimming Coaches Association of America recognized the Coast Guard Academy Men's Swimming and Diving Team with the CSCAA Scholar All-American Team honors for the Spring 2010 semester.

The College Swimming Coaches Association selects and honors teams as Scholar All-American Teams twice a year, once after each semester (Fall/Winter, and Spring). To earn CSCAA Scholar All-American team honors, a swimming team must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (or converted on a 4.0 scale) for the semester. Based on the team's GPA this spring, the team has earned CSCAA Scholar All-American Team honors for the Spring 2010 semester. A complete listing of schools in all divisions who have achieved this honor can be found on the CSCAA website (www.cscaa.org).

_{Article reposted by permission from the Old Colony Memorial newspaper.}

PLYMOUTH, Mass. -  A Coast Guard officer from West Plymouth has some impressive new credentials for his resume.

Lt. j.g. Kevin Higgins has been named the 2010 Professional Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board. The board annually recognizes federal employees within the region.

Higgins, a 2004 graduate of Plymouth North High School, graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2008.

He recently completed his first two-year assignment at sea, serving aboard the cutter Spencer out of Boston.

The Officer of the Year honor recognizes Higgins’ work as watch officer aboard the Spencer. The tour included drug interdiction efforts in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Higgins spent a week serving aboard Arc Independiente, a Colombian naval vessel, as part of an exchange of executive officers.

Higgins also led at-sea boarding teams while the Spencer monitored North Atlantic fisheries.

In recommending Higgins for the award, Commander Jeff Thomas noted that Higgins led 75 boardings in protection of the country’s marine resources. Many were conducted in sub-freezing temperatures and in seas exceeding 6 feet. The work resulted in one termination for illegal fishing in a closed area and one catch seizure for fishing without a valid permit. The boardings also uncovered dozens of significant safety violations.

Thomas noted Higgins work as a role model and mentor aboard Spencer. While serving on the cutter he developed an aggressive law enforcement training program and conducted training sessions that qualified shipmates for boarding-team operations.

“Higgins exemplary performance as a boarding officer is noteworthy given his primary duty aboard Spencer is serving as a deck watch officer. He often conducted multiple boardings in a day, while still standing underway bridge watches,” Thomas wrote.

The Officer of the Year honor was awarded in May in ceremonies in Quincy. Higgins shares the 2010 Law Enforcement honors with Greg Squire, a Boston-based Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

Higgins is currently executive officer at the fisheries school at Otis Air Force Base.

U.S. COAST GUARD ACADEMY, Conn. — The Academy’s Class of 2014 will begin their military training as they arrive here Monday, June 28 for Reporting-In Day (R-Day).

Just 385 of the 4,580 students who applied to the Academy were accepted for the Class of 2014, of which approximately 290 will accept their appointment and report-in.

Reporting-In Day marks the traditional start of Swab Summer, an intense seven-week training program designed to transform civilian students into military men and women ready to accept the challenges that await them in their pursuit to become Coast Guard officers.

During their first day at the Academy, the swabs will cycle through haircuts, uniform issue, drill practice and various types of administration in-processing. At the conclusion of R-Day, members of the new class march onto Washington Parade Field, raise their right hand and swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

The new cadets come from all walks of life, from 39 states and the two territories of  Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Also joining this class are six international students from the countries of Ecuador, Lithuania, Singapore and Tunisia.                 .

Below is a detailed schedule for Reporting-In Day:

7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Swabs check in - Leamy Hall

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Uniform issue, haircuts, drill practice, company time, weigh in and administration in-processing (all companies will cycle through these events throughout the day) 

3 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. Swearing-in Ceremony and class photo – Washington Parade Field

Following the class photo, the swabs will have a short time to spend with their families before returning to training.

Editor’s Note:  Media interested in attending Reporting-In Day events must call the Coast Guard Academy Public Affairs Office at (860) 444-8270 or after hours at (860) 857-5544 to ensure access to campus and parking availability.  All media must be escorted by the Academy Public Affairs staff while in the cadet barracks.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the White House announced the appointment of Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Holly Harrison as one of 13 outstanding men and women to serve as White House Fellows.  The White House Fellows come from diverse backgrounds, varied professions and all of the 2010-2011 Fellows have shown a strong commitment to public service and leadership.  

“This year’s White House Fellows are comprised of some of the best and brightest leaders in our country,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “I applaud their unyielding commitment to public service and dedication to serving their community.”

The White House Fellows Program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to give promising American leaders “first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the Federal government, and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.”  This unique position in our nation’s government encourages active citizenship and service to the nation.  The Fellows also take part in an education program designed to broaden their knowledge of leadership, policy formulation, military operations, and current affairs.  Community service is another important component of the program, and Fellows participate in service projects throughout the year in the Washington, D.C. area.

Selection as a White House Fellow is highly competitive and based on a record of remarkable early career professional achievement, evidence of leadership potential, a proven commitment to public service, and the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute successfully at the highest levels of the Federal government. Throughout its history, the program has fostered leaders in many fields including leaders in government, business, media, medicine, diplomacy and the military.  Additional information about the White House Fellows program is available at www.WhiteHouse.gov/fellows.

Holly Harrison is a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Coast Guard.  She is the first woman to command a Coast Guard vessel during combat operations and became the first Coast Guard woman to receive the Bronze Star medal for her service at the outset of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Her 15 years of military service include over eight years of sea duty around the world, second in command of the Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, and service on the Commandant’s personal staff.  In the Office of Budget and Program Review, she reviews policy and builds, justifies, and defends the Coast Guard’s budget for programs representing $2.7 billion of operating base funding.  A volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for over 10 years, Harrison currently works with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in Fairfax, Virginia, and has received numerous awards for her service, including firefighter and volunteer of the year.  Her publications include articles in Naval Institute’s Proceedings and Navy League’s Seapower magazines and an opening chapter of the book “Women at War.”  

Harrison is a 1995 Coast Guard Academy graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Government.  She also earned a Master of Public Policy degree from Princeton University and Master of Educational Technology Leadership, Summa Cum Laude, from The George Washington University.

Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution Georgia Spratt Memorial Award

1/c Noel R. DeMarco

Presented by:  Jeannie Rehnberg – State Region of the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution

National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award

1/c Eric W. Johnson

Presented by: Jeannie Rehnberg – State Region of the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution

American Legion Award

1/c Justin P. Brooks

Presented by:  Mr. Gordan B. Browning – National Vice Commander of the American Legion

Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States

1/c Kirstin M. Haas

Presented by:  Brigadeer Gerneral Joseph N. Waller – USAF ret. Military Order of the Foreign Wars of the United States

Superintendent’s Award

1/c Kurt S. Walker

Presented by: Capt. Robert E.L. West, USCG Ret. USCGA Class of 1953

National Society of New England Women’s Award

1/c Margaret W. Woodbridge

PRestented by: Gail Thomas – Treasurer o the National Society of New England Women

Vice Admiral J.J. McClelland Award

1/c Margaret W. Woodbridge

Presented by:  Capt. John Fitzgerald, Commandant of Cadets, USCGA

Admiral Robert E. Kramek Award

1/c Holly A. McNair

Presented by:  Capt. John Fitzgerald, Commandant of Cadets, USCGA

Capt. Hopley Yeaton Award

1/c Noah L. Hudson

Presented by: Mr. Pete Dolan – McCormick & Company

Eagle Award

1/c Thomas E. Olsen

Presented by:  Commander Kermit Meade – USCG Ret. USCGA Class of 1951

Capt. Paul F. Foye Chapter Coast Guard Acdemy Parents Association Award

1/c Keoni A. Hutton

Presented by:  Mrs. Karen Bradley, President of Capt Paul F. Foye Chapter Coast Guard Academy Parents Association

CGA Parents Association Award

1/c Mathew J. Peterson

Presented by: Mrs. Casandra Brown, President of the  CGA Parents Association

USCG Auxiliary Award

1/c Adam J. Stanek

Presented by: Commodore Nicolas Kerigan, National Commodore of the USCG Auxiliary

Nelson W. Nitchman Intramural Athletic Award

1/c Levi S. Rusch

Presented by: Captain W E Smith, USCG retired class of 1953

Distinguished Graduate Award

1/c Mathew S. Delhunty

Presented by: Commander James Sylvester, USCG retired president of the USCGA alumni association

Selfless Service Award

1/c Eric A. Libner

Presented by: LCDR Steven Hein USCG retired, Marketing Director of the National Association for Uniformed Services and Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Dillon U.S. Navy retired, Co-Chairman Board of Directors of the National Association for Uniformed Services

NEW LONDON, Conn. -- The Coast Guard Academy announced First Class Cadet Matthew S. Delahunty of Youngstown, Ohio, as the Distinguished Honor Graduate for the Class of 2010.

Delahunty is a 2006 graduate of Boardman High School in Boardman, Ohio.

During his school years at the Academy, Delahunty worked on multiple school projects and various community service events, such as his project developing secure email communications with non-military partners and working with Aramark to provide food for the homeless at a local shelter.

After graduation, Delahunty will be reporting to flight school and once complete, will be sent to fly Coast Guard aircraft at one of our air stations around the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.

Delahunty is the first recipient from Ohio to receive the distinguished honor graduate award since its creation in 2000.

The distinguished graduate designation recognizes the cadet who graduates with the highest Military Precedence List Average.  The recipient will give an address to the graduating class during commencement May 19.

The MPA is calculated using the cadet’s cumulative grade point average, military precedence index and physical fitness exams.

The Coast Guard Academy offers an integrated life experience which emphasizes academics, physical fitness, character and leadership, in order to graduate officers of the highest caliber. Graduates go directly to positions of leadership and are obligated to eight years service, five of which must be active duty.

William D. Bishton Award

Given to the wrestler who best exemplifies team sprit, hustle, determination and demonstrates great improvement

1/c Matt Leisy

Jim Freeman Leadership Award

Awarded to the cadet who exhibits the kind of leadership on the football field and throughout life that exemplifies Jim Freeman’s high spirit and potential.

1/c Justin Brooks

American Legion Award to Women’s Soccer

1/c Katie Kurek

Athletics Award for outstanding athletic performance and display of a high degree of character, leadership and personality during the United States Coast Guard Academy sports seasons for men and women

Football – 1/c Sam England

Women’s Soccer – Katie Kurek

Capt. Lee Baker Award

Presented to the member of the graduating class for inspirational leadership in Academy athletics

1/c Tim Olah, Men’s Soccer

Rodger Guyas Comeback Award

Presented to the cadet who has overcome adversity in the form of a physical injury to comeback and displayed the commitment and courage necessary to compete and provide inspiration to his/her teammates

1/c Brandon McMillan

Paul Foye Memorial Trophy

Presented to the cadet in admiration to his unselfish display of compassion, human understanding of people and loyalty to duty

1/c  Chirs Hepp, Men’s Swimming

Ladies Fleet Auxiliary Award for the Female whoo has Contributed the Most to Women’s Athletics

1/c Melissa Martinell, Women’s Basketball

Tommy Award

Presented to the cadet who demonstrates outstanding qualities of sportsmanship and leadership

1/c Justin Brooks, Football

American Legion Award

Presented the to the cadet who has shown personal excellence throughout the athletes entire career

1/c Eric Hudson