National Coast Guard Museum Association Newsletter (Fall 2024)

FALL 2024
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Uniting for the Museum: A
Community Celebration
Get to know the National
Coast Guard Museum’s
new director: CAPT Carl Riedlin,
USCG (Ret.)
A legacy of service and support:
retired Army LTC Fredrick Seeger
honors his father at the National
Coast Guard Museum
STORIES
THAT
MATTER
FALL 2024
PAGE 1

FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As we sprint towards the end of 2024, I am excited to provide you with a more detailed
update on the construction of the National Coast Guard Museum. Our progress has been
steady and encouraging.
We have awarded more than 50% of the construction work and have recently received
the bid package for the interior work. We are right on track to see the steel framework
by the end of 2024. Looking ahead, we are anticipating a “topping off” ceremony in the
Spring of 2025, marking a significant milestone as the exterior structure of the Museum
reaches its full height.
I would also like to welcome retired USCG Captain and distinguished aviator, Carl Riedlin,
as the new director of the Museum. As our Association completes the building design and
makes way for the Coast Guard to operate the enterprise, I am so very encouraged to
see Carl leading the Coast Guard team.
We remain in close collaboration with colleagues at Coast Guard Headquarters as they
continue to finalize exhibit designs, ensuring that the Museum tells the full story of the
Coast Guard’s legacy and contributions. Lastly, we are working hand-in-hand with Payette
to put the finishing touches on the building’s architectural details.
I am very pleased to share with you the excitement of our recent community event in New
London. We had a very uplifting day with more than 350 attendees, construction tours,
and inspirational remarks from federal,state, and city officials. I hope that you enjoy the
highlights featured in this newsletter.
Your continued support and interest in this monumental project have been invaluable,
and I look forward to keeping you informed as we approach more exciting milestones.
Together, we are building a world-class museum that will celebrate the proud history and
legacy of our United States Coast Guard.
Sincerely,
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President
National Coast Guard Museum Association
Attendees from the community are
briefed on the progress of the National
Coast Guard Museum and the impact it
will have on the region.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

UNITING FOR THE
MUSEUM:
A COMMUNITY
CELEBRATION
The National Coast Guard Museum
Association hosted its inaugural community
event on October 29 at the Garde Arts
Center in New London, Connecticut, drawing
an impressive crowd of over 350 supporters. The
energy was palpable as attendees gathered to
celebrate the ambitious vision and steady progress
toward opening a National Coast Guard Museum
that will honor the long-standing legacy of the
United States Coast Guard.
THE COAST GUARD INSPIRES OUR NATION, AND THE GARDE
ARTS CENTER INSPIRES OUR IMAGINATION.
—CAPT WES PULVER, USCG (RET.)
FALL 2024 PAGE 3

Steve Sigel, the Executive Director of the
Garde Arts Center, welcomed the crowd,
setting the stage for an exhilarating afternoon.
Susan Curtin, Chair of the National Coast
Guard Museum Association Board, and
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.), President of
the Association, joined Sigel to underscore
the day’s theme of gratitude and momentum.
CAPT Pulver remarked on the incredible turnout
and expressed the organization’s heartfelt
appreciation for the community’s enthusiasm
and support.
Throughout the event, distinguished speakers
highlighted the transformative impact the
detailing current exhibit construction and
innovative design elements that will make this
museum a landmark destination.
The updates also included a presentation on
educational initiatives, with insights from Linda
T. Darcy, LEARN’s Director of Teaching and
Learning, and Gretchen Osodipe, Education
Consultant, who shared their vision for
integrating Coast Guard history into educational
programs that will engage students and the
public alike.
The keynote address by Senator Chris Murphy
(CT), Chairman of the Subcommittee on
WE ARE LOOKING AT AN INVESTMENT
OF ALMOST $100 MILLION INTO MAKING
THE COAST GUARD MUSEUM … AN
ABSOLUTELY TRANSFORMATIONAL,
HISTORY-MAKING SITE.
—SENATOR CHRIS MURPHY
Museum will have on both the local community
and the nation. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney spoke
passionately about the Museum’s significance
as a symbol of the Coast Guard’s dedication
and service, while ADM Kevin Lunday, Vice
Commandant of the Coast Guard, emphasized
the Coast Guard’s commitment to its mission and
the importance of preserving its history.
Museum project updates were delivered by
several key figures, including New London
Mayor Michael Passero, who conveyed the
city’s pride and excitement at hosting such
a monumental institution. CAPT Carl Riedlin,
USCG (Ret.), the Museum’s director, gave
an inspiring update on the project’s progress,
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

Top Left: Senator Chris Murphy delivers inspiring keynote
remarks, focusing on the incredible importance of a national
museum.
Lower Left: Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2) remarks on
the benefits of the Coast Guard to our national security.
Upper Right: Senator Richard Blumenthal notes the
importance of the Coast Guard as a military branch, the role
it has played in the Nation’s maritime history, and how the
future National Coast Guard Museum will benefit the region.
Lower Right: Deputy Commissioner, CT Department of
Economic Development Matthew J. Pugliese, Mayor Michael
Passero, City of New London, and USCG Vice Commandant
Admiral Kevin Lunday poised to deliver their remarks.
THIS IS ALL HAPPENING … AT A TIME WHEN THE
SOUTHEASTERN PART OF OUR STATE IS REALLY
BECOMING A MARITIME HISTORY CENTER OF
EXCELLENCE.
—REPRESENTATIVE JOE COURTNEY
FALL 2024
PAGE 5

Homeland Security, provided a compelling call to
action, underscoring the vital role this museum will
play in preserving and honoring the Coast Guard’s
legacy for future generations. His remarks were met
with enthusiastic applause, reflecting the audience’s
shared commitment to bringing this project to life.
CAPT Pulver closed the program with a message of
gratitude to the donors, supporters, and friends who
have shown unwavering support. He emphasized
that their contributions are paving the way for a
lasting tribute to Coast Guard service members, past,
present, and future.
The National Coast Guard Museum Association
encourages everyone, whether you could attend
or not, to watch the two-minute highlight reel of
the event. This short video encapsulates the spirit
of the gathering and the dedication driving this
historic project. The Association is thrilled with the
community’s enthusiasm and support as it forges
ahead to opening the Museum. Together, we are not
just building a museum but creating a living legacy
for generations to come.
Thank you to all of you for continuing to support this
remarkable vision.
John Metcalf, MFG, LLC, serving as NCGMA’s Owner’s Representative,
explains construction during a post event site tour.
LEARN representatives explain the integration of the National Coast Guard
Museum’s STEM programs and K-12 curriculum.
If you missed the event, you can watch the highlight video here:
Coming Soon 2026: National Coast Guard Museum
@NationalCGMuseumAssociation
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

END OF YEAR SMART
GIVING OPTIONS
ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM
• Gift stocks or appreciated assets. Ensures your full stock’s value aids the cause, bypassing capital gains tax. This maximizes your
contribution, supporting the Museum’s mission effectively.
• A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). If you're 70.5 or older, QCDs allow tax-efficient, direct fund transfers from your IRA,
benefitting your tax scenario and our Museum.
• Make a “grant” via your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). This offers an immediate tax benefit for your charitable contribution, enabling
sustained philanthropic giving.
There are many ways to support the Museum, including a bequest in your will. Help us
preserve and share the incredible Coast Guard history. Learn more at:
http://cgmuseumassociation.org/how-to-make-a-gift/
FALL 2024
PAGE 7

GOLD LEED CERTIFICATION
FOR THE NATIONAL COAST
GUARD MUSEUM
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

2024 architectural rendering of the Museum.
GOLD LEED
C E R T
I F
I E D
THE ROLE OF
GOLD LEED
CERTIFICATION
IN THE
NATIONAL
COAST GUARD
MUSEUM
The construction of the National Coast Guard Museum
isn’t just about creating a space that honors the storied
history of the U.S. Coast Guard; it’s also about building
a sustainable future. One of the key goals for the Museum is to
achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
gold certification, which will position it as an environmentally
responsible and energy-efficient landmark.
WHAT IS LEED CERTIFICATION?
LEED certification is an internationally recognized standard
for sustainable building practices, awarded to projects that
prioritize energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and reduce
their overall environmental impact. Certification levels range
from certified to platinum, with gold being a commendable
achievement that indicates a strong commitment to sustainability.
Buildings that earn LEED certification must meet stringent criteria
through the design, construction, and operational phases in areas
such as energy use, water efficiency, waste reduction, and air
quality. By achieving LEED gold certification, the National Coast
Guard Museum will be recognized for minimizing its ecological
footprint while delivering a high-quality, comfortable space for
visitors and staff alike.
FALL 2024
PAGE 9

WHY LEED GOLD
CERTIFICATION MATTERS
FOR THE MUSEUM
As the future home of the U.S. Coast Guard’s
rich legacy, the Museum’s commitment to
sustainability aligns with the Coast Guard’s
values of stewardship, responsibility, and service
to the Nation. Achieving LEED gold certification
speaks to the Museum’s forward-thinking
approach, ensuring that its operations not only
celebrate history but also protect our planet for
future generations.
1. Energy Efficiency: One of the core
focuses of LEED certification is optimizing
energy use. The Museum’s design
incorporates energy-efficient systems that
reduce overall consumption, which lowers
operational costs and carbon emissions.
This will ensure the building operates
efficiently throughout the year, whether
it’s managing temperature in the exhibit
spaces or controlling lighting in common
areas.
2. Water Conservation: The Museum’s
location on the waterfront highlights
the need for water stewardship. LEEDcertified
buildings employ innovative
systems to conserve water, including lowflow
fixtures, monitoring & benchmarking
overall water usage, and drought-resistant
landscaping. These measures contribute to
safeguarding local water resources while
keeping the building’s ecological footprint
to a minimum.
3. Indoor Environmental Quality: A
healthy and welcoming environment for
visitors is also a priority. LEED certification
requires that indoor air quality meet high
standards, using low-emission materials
and ensuring proper ventilation. For
Museum visitors, this means a comfortable
space with clean air—essential for an
enjoyable, safe, and healthy experience.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF
LEED GOLD CERTIFICATION
Building a LEED Gold certified museum is not
just about achieving a certification plaque
on the wall; it’s about creating a legacy of
sustainability. In the long term, the Museum will
experience significant energy savings, reduced
maintenance costs, and a healthier environment
for staff and visitors. This ensures that funds can
be redirected toward educational programs,
exhibitions, and community outreach instead of
being spent on excessive energy consumption.
Moreover, LEED Gold certification increases
the Museum’s appeal to a growing audience
of environmentally conscious visitors and
donors. It reinforces the idea that the Museum
is forward-looking, with a deep commitment to
protecting the very natural resources—air, water,
and ecosystems—that the Coast Guard works
to safeguard.
THE MUSEUM AS A MODEL
FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
The National Coast Guard Museum’s pursuit of
LEED gold certification represents a bold step
4. Sustainable Building Materials: The
use of sustainably sourced, recycled, and
locally procured building materials further
enhances the Museum’s environmental
performance. This not only reduces the
environmental impact of construction but
also supports local economies and lowers
transportation emissions associated with
bringing materials to the site.
3D-printed, scaled model of the Museum and surrounding infrastructure.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

forward in responsible building practices. It
sets a standard for future cultural institutions that
seek to blend history and sustainability. As the
Museum rises on the waterfront, its design will
reflect the Coast Guard’s mission of protecting
the public, the environment, and the Nation’s
security.
By incorporating environmentally friendly
practices in the Museum’s construction,
the Museum demonstrates that history and
sustainability can go hand-in-hand, preserving
the past while protecting the future.
NATIONAL COAST
GUARD MUSEUM
LEED INFORMATION
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification
program used worldwide. Developed by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council
(USGBC), it includes a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and
maintenance of green buildings, homes, and neighborhoods, which aims to help building
owners and operators be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently.
National Coast Guard Museum Association (NCGMA) and PAYETTE anticipate a
LEED “Gold” rating upon completion of the construction.
The LEED process has been described as a “transformative force in the design and
construction industry.” LEED is credited with providing a framework for green building,
expanding the use of green practices and products in buildings, encouraging sustainable
forestry, and helping professionals to consider buildings in terms of the well-being of their
occupants and as part of larger systems.
NCGMA and PAYETTE ARCHITECTS started in earnest with the LEED process in the early
phases of the schematic design of the Museum. PAYETTE hired THE GREEN COMPANY
(LEED Consultant) to guide and document the sustainability focus throughout the design
phase and is assisting throughout the construction phase, as well. The following is a
sample list of design areas considered throughout the design process to make the
Museum more sustainable and improve the overall performance of the building: siting,
building orientation, daylight harvesting, material selection (recycled content), waste
management (recycle), energy efficiency, high efficiency mechanical equipment,
environmentally friendly refrigerants, LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures, and
indoor air quality to name a few. Post-construction, NCGMA and the Coast Guard
anticipate the use of a robust green cleaning and building performance system to keep
the sustainability of the Museum complying with follow on LEED requirements.
Furthermore, PAYETTE ran several iterations of energy modeling to aid in selecting the
optimum heating, ventilation, and cooling systems to support the building. The report is
to document the anticipated compliance with LEED EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy
Performance and Credit Optimize Energy Performance. Using the energy model,
NCGMA worked closely with the utility provider, Eversource, to obtain a series of energy
savings rebates, and incentives to optimize the sustainable design of the building. Also,
looking to the future, PAYETTE designed the necessary infrastructure to install photovoltaic
panels on the roof of the building.
FALL 2024
PAGE 11

GET TO KNOW
THE NATIONAL
COAST GUARD
MUSEUM’S
NEW DIRECTOR:
CAPT CARL RIEDLIN,
USCG (RET.)
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

Carl Riedlin is no stranger to the Coast Guard. He is a retired captain, having served more
than three decades in the Coast Guard, most of which was in the aviation career fi eld
fl ying rotary wing assets. He comes to the Museum project from private industry, and
he is ready to give back to the Coast Guard one fi nal time by seeing the Museum through to
opening day and beyond! Renee Coleman, the Museum’s director of public affairs, sat down
with Carl to get the skinny on why he joined the team and a peek into his Coast Guard career.
Welcome to the team! We are
Q: thrilled to have you on board.
What was it about the director position
with the Museum that caught your eye?
I love the Coast Guard! I missed the
A: Coast Guard, and I really missed the
people in the Coast Guard. When I saw the
museum director position, I thought what an
amazing opportunity to serve one more time.
This job seemed like a great last place to be
involved in the Coast Guard and give back,
and I couldn’t be happier to continue service.
It doesn’t hurt that I have an absolutely
amazing team to work with that has been
more than welcoming.
Let’s talk about your 31 years
Q: of Coast Guard service. Do you
have a most memorable Coast Guard
moment?
It’s hard to nail down one moment in
A: particular. I was a person who tried to
be in the moment of where I was and really
took it all in. I feel like my 31 years was an
extraordinarily rich tapestry of a patchwork
quilt, with each piece telling a story. My
Coast Guard career is woven together with
the people I’ve met along the way, the stories,
the aircraft, the near misses. Throughout my
career I’ve been on the receiving end of 17
sets of orders and 15 PCS moves. It was a
great career fi lled with beautiful experiences
that I will treasure for a lifetime.
You spent the bulk of your career
Q: as an aviator. Why was rotary
your airframe of choice?
It’s a little bit more down and dirty. It’s
A: really in the mix, and I really gravitated
to the risk associated with rotary wing. There
were a couple of prime things in my life that
were important: I wanted to have physical
risk, I wanted to have adventure, and I
wanted to have a family. The Coast Guard,
especially being a rotary wing pilot, allowed
me to have all three of those.
Now that you’ve returned to the
Q: Coast Guard workforce, how do
you unwind after a long day at Coast
Guard Headquarters?
I do like to hike; I love to swim. I do
A: some sailing with friends. I also fly with
a buddy of mine, but not that much. I do a
lot of gardening. I know gardening sounds
boring, but I love the outcome. We live on
two acres of land and it’s real peaceful, so
we have a bit of a garden oasis.
You retired from the Coast Guard
Q: in 2021. What insight can you offer
to someone who is preparing transition
from active duty to retiree?
Well, there’s the hard part of the
A: journey and the good part. I think the
hard part when you retire is that the life you
once lived—the life you dedicated yourself
to and went all in for—is there one day and
gone the next. When you retire, everyone
fans out, and that interaction and sense of
community and family starts drifting. The good
part about retirement is that you can focus on
your life, and you have the ability to explore
options and refl ect.
FALL 2024
PAGE 13

A LEGACY OF
SERVICE AND
SUPPORT:
RETIRED ARMY LTC
FREDRICK SEEGER
HONORS HIS FATHER AT
THE NATIONAL COAST
GUARD MUSEUM
Fredrick Seeger’s connection to the National
Coast Guard Museum runs deep, rooted
in a legacy of service that spans multiple
generations. His father, Captain Loren H.
Seeger, was a 1932 graduate of the Coast
Guard Academy—the last class to graduate
from the Fort Trumbull campus before it moved
to its current location. Loren Seeger was no
ordinary officer; he went on to become Coast
Guard Aviator #46 after completing flight
school in 1936 and served the Coast Guard
from 1932 to 1961. His career took him across
the nation, from Galveston, TX, to Cape May,
NJ, Floyd Bennet Field, NY, San Diego, CA,
Wilmington, NC, to Commander 6th Patrol
Bombing Squadron during WWII, and
eventually, to his final assignment Washington,
D.C. at Coast Guard HQ (Engineering), where
he retired as a Captain.
Fredrick grew up in a military family, and the
disciplined life of the armed forces always
appealed to him. “As a high school student
in San Diego, I was drawn to the structured
culture of the military,” he recalls. His desire to
follow in his father’s footsteps led him to apply
to the Coast Guard Academy. When he wasn’t
accepted, another door opened as Fredrick
was accepted into West Point. This marked the
beginning of an impressive 27-year career in
the U.S. Army, where he traveled the world
as an infantry officer and pilot, flying missions
in Korea, Fort Bragg, NC, and Germany. He
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

MATCHING
CHALLENGE
Fredrick Seeger’s father, Captain Loren Seeger, USCG (Ret.) †
FALL 2024
PAGE 15

also attended flight school, flying the Blackhawk
helicopter, much like the Coast Guard’s
Jayhawk, a comparison Fredrick makes with
pride.
One of the most meaningful moments of
Fredrick’s career occurred at his West Point
graduation in 1977 when his father, Loren,
now retired, donned a uniform for the first time
in 16 years to commission his son as a Second
Lieutenant. “He probably bought a new uniform
just for the occasion,” Fredrick reflects fondly.
The moment was a powerful symbol of the
Seeger family’s dedication to service and the
military.
Fredrick’s philanthropic interests extend
beyond his own service to the broader military
community. He has been an active supporter
of various museums, from the world-renowned
Louvre to smaller military and aviation museums.
“Museum culture really appeals to me,” Fredrick
explains. “I observed and supported the building
of the National Museum of the Army, and I was
so impressed by their dedication. Now, as a
Coast Guard brat, I’m proud to contribute to
building and supporting the National Coast
Guard Museum in honor of my father.”
Fredrick’s involvement with the National Coast
Guard Museum goes beyond financial support.
In 2022, he reached out to explore naming
opportunities within the Museum, working
towards a total gift of $250,000. For Fredrick,
this is more than just a monetary donation—it’s a
way to honor his father’s legacy and the service
of countless Coast Guard members. “They put
their lives on the line for us every single day,”
Fredrick says. “We should remember them for
that. They deserve their day in the sun with a
National Coast Guard Museum.”
When asked about his vision for the Museum,
Fredrick is clear: “My hope for the National
Coast Guard Museum is to tell the story. Tell
the story of the United States Coast Guard—its
people, families, equipment, military operations,
and incredible impact from its founding in 1790
through today.”
Fredrick’s commitment to the Museum is a
testament to his deep respect for the Coast
Guard and the men and women who serve in
it. He sees the Museum not just as a place to
preserve history, but as a living tribute to the
values of service, sacrifice, and dedication that
the Coast Guard embodies. His contributions
ensure that the legacy of those who have served,
including his own father, will be remembered
and celebrated for generations to come.
Captain Loren H. Seeger, Coast Guard Aviator #46, who went on to
have a distinguished 29-year career in the Coast Guard.
THEY PUT THEIR
LIVES ON THE LINE
FOR US EVERY SINGLE
DAY. WE SHOULD
REMEMBER THEM
FOR THAT. THEY
DESERVE THEIR DAY
IN THE SUN WITH
A NATIONAL COAST
GUARD MUSEUM.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

the
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION'S
MATCHING CHALLENGE
DOUBLE YOUR
IMPACT
FREE TOTE
WITH GIFT
OF $60 OR
MORE
Join LTC Fredrick B. Seeger, USA (Ret.) in support of the National Coast Guard
Museum. Now through December 31st, every dollar you give to the National
Coast Guard Museum Association will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to
$150,000, thanks to LTC Seeger’s Year-End Matching Gift Challenge. And if you
make a gift of $60 or more, you’ll receive the exclusive Museum boat tote—to
show the world that YOU are helping to build this National Museum.
visit: http://cgmuseumassociation.org/YearEnd
FALL 2024
PAGE 17

MISSION
MIGHTY
MISSISSIPPI
IL
2024
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Renee Coleman, Director of Public Affairs
2024 MISSION
MISSISSIPPI ROUND UP
As we build the National Coast Guard Museum, we are committed to spreading awareness from coast to
coast. And earlier this fall, the 2024 Mission Mighty Mississippi at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island,
Illinois, was the place to be seen!
Coast Guard units from the 8th Coast Guard District along the Mississippi River and eastward converged
on this one weekend to celebrate the service and the job opportunities that await future service members.
The National Coast Guard Museum, along with representatives from various Coast Guard rates and
units, was thrilled to be part of the action and set up display spaces to teach kids and adults of all ages
about the service’s rich past, current operations, and future endeavors.
FALL 2024
PAGE 19

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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION