. The Commandant is normally the only four-star
. The Commandant is assisted by a
, two Assistant Commandants/Area Commanders and a Chief of Staff, all of whom are three-star
; he is, however, entitled to the same supplemental pay as the Joint Chiefs, per 37 U.S.C § 414(a)(5) ($4,000 per annum in 2009), and is accorded privilege of the floor under Senate Rule XXIII(1) as a
JCS member during Presidential addresses. Furthermore, in contrast to the Joint Chiefs who are not in the military's operational chain of command, the Commandant of the Coast Guard commands his service. He reports to the President, via the
. Prior to the creation of the
from 1966 to 2003. Until the creation of the Department of Transportation in 1966, the Commandant and the earlier counterparts had reported to the Secretary of the Treasury since 1790.
dates to a 1923 act that distributed the commissioned line and engineer officers of the Coast Guard in grades. Before 1923, the rank and title of the head of the Coast Guard was "captain-commandant." The rank "captain-commandant" originated in the
in 1908. The original holder of that rank was the Chief of the Revenue Cutter Service (also known as the Revenue Marine). The Coast Guard traces the lineage of Commandants back to
, chief of the Revenue Marine Bureau, even though he never officially received the title of Captain-Commandant. The Captain-Commandant position was created in 1908 when Captain
was the first to actually hold the position. Although he was retired, Captain
was elevated to the rank of Captain-Commandant. Captain Shepard had already died and was not elevated to the rank.
In 1849 the Revenue Marine Bureau was dissolved, and the Revenue Marine fell under the control the Commissioner of Customs until the Revenue Marine Bureau was again established in 1869.
There have been 24 Commandants of the Coast Guard since the office of Chief of the Revenue Marine Bureau was transferred to a military billet including Admiral
| # |
Picture |
Name |
Rank |
Start of tenure |
End of tenure |
Notes |
| 1 |
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ShepardLeonard G. Shepard Leonard G. Shepard , was a captain in the United States Revenue Cutter Service and was appointed in 1889 by Secretary of the Treasury William Windom as the first military head of the service since 1869. His formal title was that of Chief of the Revenue Marine Division of the Department of the...
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O-04 Captain Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....
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Shepard became the first military Chief of the "Revenue Marine Division" of the Treasury Department and is considered to be the first Commandant. |
| 2 |
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ShoemakerCharles F. Shoemaker |
O-05 Captain Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....
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On May 8, 1908, Shoemaker was promoted to the rank of Captain-Commandant on the Retired List by Act of Congress. |
| 3 |
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RossWorth G. RossWorth G. Ross was the first graduate of the School of Instruction of the Revenue Cutter Service, now known as the US Coast Guard Academy...
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O-05 Captain-Commandant Captain is the name most often given in English-speaking navies to the rank corresponding to command of the largest ships. The NATO rank code is OF-5, equivalent to an army full colonel....
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Ross was instrumental in the establishment of what was to become the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. |
| 4 |
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BertholfEllsworth P. Bertholf Ellsworth Price Bertholf was a Congressional Gold Medal recipient who later served as the fourth Captain-Commandant of the United States Revenue Cutter Service and because of the change in the name of the agency, the fourth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard...
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O-05 Commodore Commodore was an early title and later a rank in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard and a current honorary title in the U.S. Navy with an intricate history. Because the U.S. Congress was originally unwilling to authorize more than four ranks until 1862, considerable importance...
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Served during the merger of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form the U.S. Coast Guard. Was the first Coast Guard officer the achieve flag rank.) |
| 5 |
|
ReynoldsWilliam E. Reynolds |
O-05 Rear AdmiralRear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
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Reynolds was the first Coast Guard officer to be promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. |
| 6 |
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BillardFrederick C. Billard Frederick C. Billard served as the sixth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1924 until his death. He is the only Coast Guard Commandant to die in office....
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O-05 Rear AdmiralRear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
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Billard was appointed to three consecutive terms as Commandant and died in office May 17, 1932, serving through the Prohibition Era and reorganization of the Academy. |
| 7 |
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HamletHarry G. Hamlet Harry Gabriel Hamlet served as the seventh Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, from 1932 to 1936.-Early life and career:...
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O-05 Rear AdmiralRear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
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Hamlet persuaded Congress to dismiss efforts to merge the Coast Guard with the U.S. Navy. Continued serving after term as Commandant was over and eventually retired as a Vice Admiral by act of Congress. |
| 8 |
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WaescheRussell R. Waesche Russell Randolph Waesche, Sr. . Waesche served as the eighth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1936 to 1946, overseeing the service during World War II. He also holds the distinction of being the longest serving Commandant, serving ten years in command of the United States Coast Guard...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Longest serving Commandant, first Commandant to be promoted to Vice Admiral and Admiral. Commandant during World War II and helped the Coast Guard remain a separate distinct service while it was assigned to the U.S Navy. Oversaw the largest manpower buildup in Coast Guard history and was instrumental in the formation of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. |
| 9 |
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FarleyJoseph F. Farley Joseph Francis Farley served as the ninth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1946 to 1949. He was also the first Coast Guard officer to be issued a service number and holds #1000 on the Coast Guard officer rolls....
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Farley served during the difficult Post-World War II era when additional statutory responsibilities were being added to the Coast Guard's mission structure and personnel allowances were being reduced. |
| 10 |
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O'NeillMerlin O'Neill Merlin O'Neill served as the tenth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1949 to 1954.He was born in Gallia County, Ohio on October 30, 1898. Following graduation from high school in Morgan City, Louisiana, he attended Western Kentucky State Normal School, and the Marion Military...
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O-05 Vice Admiral Vice admiral is a senior naval rank of a three-star flag officer, which is equivalent to lieutenant general in the other uniformed services. A vice admiral is typically senior to a rear admiral and junior to an admiral...
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O'Neill directed the increase in port security activities required by the passage of the Magnuson Act The Magnuson Act also known as the Chinese Exclusion Repeal Act of 1943 was immigration legislation proposed by U.S. Representative Warren G. Magnuson of Washington and signed into law on December 17, 1943 in the United States...
and revitalized the Coast Guard Reserve program emphasizing it's defense mission during wartime. |
| 11 |
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RichmondAlfred C. Richmond Alfred Carroll Richmond was a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 11th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1954 to 1962, the second longest tenure of any U.S. Coast Guard Commandant....
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Richmond served two full terms as Commandant and was the U.S. delegate to many international maritime conferences during his tenure. |
| 12 |
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RolandEdwin J. Roland Edwin John Roland , served as the twelfth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1962 to 1966.He was born in Buffalo, New York. Growing up in Buffalo, he attended Canisius High School and later Canisius College in the city. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Roland oversaw the replacement of many World War II era cutters under fleet modernization programs during his tenure. He assisted the U.S. Navy with operations in Vietnam by supplying crews and cutters for Operation Market Time Operation Market Time was the United States Navy’s effort to stop troops and supplies from flowing by sea from North Vietnam to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War...
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| 13 |
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SmithWillard J. Smith Willard John Smith served as the thirteenth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1966 to 1970....
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Smith was Commandant when the Coast Guard was transferred from the Department of the TreasuryThe Department of the Treasury is an executive department and the treasury of the United States federal government. It was established by an Act of Congress in 1789 to manage government revenue...
to the newly formed Department of TransportationThe Department of Transportation is the most common name for a government agency in North America devoted to transportation. The largest is the United States Department of Transportation, which oversees interstate travel. All U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and many local agencies also have...
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| 14 |
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BenderChester R. Bender Chester R. Bender served as the fourteenth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1970 to 1974. He also served as Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy from 1965 to 1967.-Early life and education:...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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The Coast Guard undertook new statutory responsibilities in the areas of marine safety, environmental protection and law enforcement during his tenure, however Bender is best known for his changes in the dress uniform worn by Coast Guardsmen; sometimes referred to as "Bender's Blues". |
| 15 |
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SilerOwen W. Siler Admiral Owen Wesley Siler served as the fifteenth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1974 to 1978.Owen Siler was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Santa Maria, California...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Several changes in environmental duties occurred during Siler's tenure as well as a step-up in drug interdiction activities. Replacement of aging cutters was given budget priority. First women entered the Coast Guard Academy. |
| 16 |
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HayesJohn B. HayesJohn Briggs Hayes was a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 16th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1978 to 1982....
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Hayes experienced severe budget problems during his tenure while fending off a move in Congress to transfer the Coast Guard to the Navy. Drug interdiction was increased and several high profile search and rescue cases occurred during his watch which helped keep the Coast Guard in the public eye. |
| 17 |
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GraceyJames S. Gracey James Steele Gracey is a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 17th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1982 to 1986....
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Gracey faced tight budgets at the same time he was successful at replacing aging cutters. Increasing the Coast Guard's role in the defense of coastal waters was accomplished. |
| 18 |
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YostPaul A. Yost, Jr. Paul Alexander Yost, Jr. is a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 18th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1986 to 1990.-Early life and career:He is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Yost successfully maintained the service through difficult budget battles each year. In doing so, he also emphasized three 'primary mission areas": maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, and defense readiness. There was an increased emphasis on military/naval capabilities of the service. |
| 19 |
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KimeJ. William Kime John William Kime was a United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 19th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from May 31, 1990 to June 1, 1994.-Early life and career:...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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| 20 |
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KramekRobert E. Kramek Robert Edward Kramek is a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 20th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1994 to 1998...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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| 21 |
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LoyJames LoyAdmiral James Milton Loy served as Acting United States Secretary of Homeland Security in 2005 and United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security from December 4, 2003, to March 1, 2005...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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| 22 |
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CollinsThomas H. Collins Thomas Hansen Collins is a retired United States Coast Guard 4 star admiral who served as the 22nd Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 2002 to 2006.-Background:...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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| 23 |
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AllenThad W. AllenThad William Allen is a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 23rd Commandant of the Coast Guard. Allen is best known for his widely-praised performance directing the federal response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region from September 2005 to January 2006....
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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| 24 |
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PappRobert J. Papp, Jr.Robert J. Papp. Jr. is a United States Coast Guard admiral and the 24th and current Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. He leads the largest component of the United States Department of Homeland Security, with 42,000 active duty, 8,200 Reserve, 8,000 civilian, and 31,000...
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O-05 Admiral Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
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Incumbent The incumbent, in politics, is the existing holder of a political office. This term is usually used in reference to elections, in which races can often be defined as being between an incumbent and non-incumbent. For example, in the 2004 United States presidential election, George W...
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