On Dec. 22, the White House nominated Vice Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. to succeed Adm. Thad Allen as U.S. Coast Guard Commandant. Papp currently serves as Commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area (LANTAREA) and Defense Force East—functioning as the operational commander for all Coast Guard missions within the eastern half of the world. Prior to assuming command of LANTAREA, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard in Washington. Papp served as Ninth Coast Guard District Commander from 2004-2006…