The Long Blue Line (Summer 2022)

Retirees, and all the
Coast Guard veterans
who came before
us, built the world’s
best Coast Guard.
As we work toward
transformational
change, it is
important to me that
we keep our retirees
informed of what is
changing and why.
Q. In an effort to advance mission excellence,
you have called for the Coast Guard to be
“brilliant at the basics.” What does that mean
to you?
A: Our core values and operating principles
stand the test of time. We are a maritime and
military service. Even as the world changes,
there remains a huge demand for our traditional
missions. To me being “brilliant at the basics”
means making sure our people build and
maintain a high level of proficiency in their
field or specialty, and aren’t overwhelmed by
administrative requirements. And even as global
demand for the Coast Guard increases, we will
remain focused on the missions the American
public expects from us along the U.S. coastline,
the Great Lakes, and our rivers system.
the future. We must refocus our recruiting efforts.
As part of those efforts, we will increase flexibility
in assignments, advancements, workplaces, and
careers – making it easier for people to serve in
the Coast Guard; develop individually tailored,
flexible training – what the member needs, when
they need it; and improve availability of healthcare
and family services – we recruit individuals, but
we retain your families.
Q. As you lean forward into your new role,
how does the heritage of Coast Guard service,
particularly by the Retirees who read the Long
Blue Line, impact your view of our future?
A: Retirees, and all the Coast Guard veterans
who came before us, built the world’s best Coast
Guard. As we work toward transformational
change, it is important to me that we keep our
retirees informed of what is changing and why.
We need their support as we build the Coast
Guard the Nation needs. The strength of our
24 SUMMER 2022
THE LONG BLUE LINE