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Paul F Zukunft News

01 Jun 2018

New US Coast Guard Commandant Takes Helm

Adm. Paul F. Zukunft was relieved as commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard by Adm. Karl Schultz during a military change-of-command ceremony held Friday at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.Zukunft also retired from the Coast Guard after 41 years of service to the nation as part of the same ceremony and received the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal from President Donald J. Trump."Truly, Mr. President, you honor the men and women of the United States Coast Guard serving around the world today as 2018 was the largest appropriation ever for the Coast Guard," said Zukunft. "But it’s not about the money or the platforms, it’s the people who serve in them. The work they do could not be more relevant. We couldn’t do our job without them.”Zukunft became the 25th commandant May 30, 2014.

31 May 2018

US Coast Guard to hold change-of-command ceremony

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul F. Zukunft will be relieved by U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander Vice Adm. Karl L. Schultz on June 1, 2018, at 1100 hours at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen announced the nomination by President Donald Trump of Vice Adm. Karl L. Schultz to be the 26th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard in March. Vice Adm. Schultz, the commander of the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area, previously served as the operational commander for all Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf, spanning across five Coast Guard Districts and 40 states. Zukunft will retire following the change of command. "Vice Adm.

25 May 2018

US Coast Guard Welcomes New Vice Commandant

Adm. Charles D. Michel was relieved as vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard by Adm. Charles W. Ray during a military change-of-watch ceremony held Thursday at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. Michel, who also retired from the Coast Guard after 33 years of service to the nation as part of the ceremony, received the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal from the 25th Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Paul F. Zukunft. “The Coast Guard has given me everything I wanted and more: a world-class education, a profession dedicated to providing salvation to those in peril at sea, patient leadership that had faith in me, and a group of friends and colleagues that have lived our core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty,” said Michel.

09 Mar 2018

VADM Schultz Nominated as 26th Coast Guard Commandant

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen announced the nomination by  President Donald Trump of Vice Adm. Karl L. Schultz to be the 26th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday. Vice Adm. Schultz, the commander of the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area, currently serves as the operational commander for all Coast Guard missions from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf, spanning across five Coast Guard Districts and 40 states. Pending confirmation, he is expected to relieve Commandant of the Coast Guard Admiral Paul F. Zukunft in a change of command ceremony June 1, 2018, in Washington, D.C. Adm. Zukunft will retire following the change of command this summer. "Vice Adm.

29 Nov 2017

Maritime Pilots Recognized with IMO Bravery Accolade

Two maritime pilots who defied fire to bring a burning ship to safety, averting a major maritime catastrophe, received the 2017 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea during the 2017 IMO awards ceremony, held on Monday (27 November). Pilots Captain Michael G. McGee and Captain Michael C. Phillips, from Houston, United States, were recognized for their role in averting a major tragedy in September 2016. The ship they were piloting, the 247 meters-long tanker Aframax River, broke down in the Houston Ship Channel in the middle of the night and burst into flames after colliding with mooring dolphins. Captain McGee and Captain Phillips were surrounded by a towering wall of burning fuel as the raging fire quickly spread across the channel…

05 Jun 2017

Coast Guard to Be Honored in DC

John F. Kelly (Photo: US Dept. of Homeland Security)

The Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced that its 13th Annual Tribute to the United States Coast Guard in Our Nation’s Capital will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the National Building Museum, Washington, D.C. Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly and Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant of the Coast Guard will deliver keynote remarks. Dinner chairs are Coast Guard Foundation board members Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Retired) and Corrine Kosar. Secretary John F.

10 Mar 2017

National Security Cutter Kimball Christened

Ship’s sponsor Kay Webber Cochran smashes a bottle of sparkling wine against the bow of the Ingalls-built National Security Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756). Also pictured (left to right) are U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft; Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant; Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss.; Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss.; and Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. (Photo by Lance Davis/HII)

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division christened the seventh Legend-class National Security Cutter, Kimball (WMSL 756), on March 4 in front of approximately 1,000 guests. “We wouldn’t be able to bring this ship to life without the great work that we see here at Huntington Ingalls shipyard,” said U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, who was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. “I am moved every time I come onto this facility and I see ‘What you do today matters.’ And the reason why it matters so much is that in the year 2060…

22 Feb 2017

Inland Waterways Conference Set for Cincinnati

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft conducts an all-hands meeting at Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico, Nov. 14, 2014. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

The 2017 Inland Waterways Conference is set to be held in scenic Cincinnati, Ohio, from March 6-8, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. The event will feature full days of hot topics and VIP speakers to address emerging inland waterways topics and trends, highlighted by Lunch Keynote Speaker United States Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, speaking on March 7 from noon to 1:15. "We are honored that Admiral Zukunft will take part in our conference" said Alan Bernstein, Conference Director.

03 Aug 2016

USCG Foundation to Present Alaska Awards

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that they will honor the men and women who serve on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sycamorefor outstanding service to the 17th District and our nation. The Alaska Awards Dinner will be held at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorageon Wednesday, August 10, 2016. Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, commandant of the Coast Guard will deliver keynote remarks and RADM Michael McAllister, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District will also address attendees. Alaska's Senator Lisa Murkoswki and Congressman Donald Young will also be in attendance. Special guest will be the renowned Iditarod Musher, AliyZirkle.

16 Jun 2015

USCG Commandant Releases Cyber Strategy

Adm. Paul F. Zukunft (USCG photo)

The commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, released the service's cyber strategy Tuesday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies to ensure the prosperity and security of the nation's Maritime Transportation System (MTS) in the face of a rapidly evolving cyber domain. “While cyber certainly poses a number of unique risks and challenges,” said the commandant. Cyberspace is an operational domain that integrates information and intelligence in support of Coast Guard operations.

28 May 2015

Coast Guard Foundation Hosts Annual Tribute

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that its 11th Annual Tribute to the United States Coast Guard in Our Nation’s Capital will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the National Building Museum, Washington, D.C. The Honorable James R. Clapper, Director of National Intelligence and Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant of the Coast Guard will deliver keynote remarks. CNN’s Kyra Phillips, and Fox News’ John Roberts will emcee the event. The event is chaired by Coast Guard Foundation board members Admiral Thad Allen, USCG (Ret.) and Corrine Kosar. The seven living past commandants of the United States Coast Guard are honorary co-chairs of the event.

08 Apr 2015

USCG Adm. Zukunft: The Man, His Mission

Credit: USCG photo, Patrick Kelley, Photographer to the Commandant

Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, the 25th commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has a full plate. Driving sexual assault out of the Coast Guard; Preparing the fleet for operations through the year 2061; Coordinating intel and assets to stem the flow of illegal drugs ... they are all on the short list. From his Washington, DC, HQ he shares his vision and mission with Maritime Reporter. You are almost a year in this position as the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Looking back, critique year one.

17 Dec 2014

USCG Commandant to Address PVA Convention

U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Paul F. Zukunft

Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Paul F. Zukunft will attend the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2015 in Long Beach, Calif. and deliver a keynote address for attendees during the General Session on Monday, February 2, 2015 from 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. "We are honored and delighted to have Admiral Zukunft address our convention," said PVA President Terri Bernstein. Admiral Zukunft assumed command of the Coast Guard in May. He leads the largest component of the Department of Homeland Security…

08 Dec 2014

USCG Welcomes Cutter Hamilton to Fleet

Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, the first national security cutter homeported on the East Coast, entered into active service today at Union Pier Terminal in downtown Charleston. The commissioning ceremony for the Coast Guard’s largest and newest 418-foot cutter was presided by Vice Adm. William “Dean” Lee, Coast Guard Atlantic Area commander. Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, delivered the keynote address. “Together with my shipmates, we’re beginning the most important milestones in the life of a cutter,” said Capt. Doug Fears, Hamilton’s commanding officer and the most senior member of the crew. While being “new” to the Coast Guard is the highlight of the ceremony, Cutter Hamilton’s most enthusiastic crewmembers are just as new to the Coast Guard.

25 Sep 2014

Commandant Signs USCG Coast Guard Strategy Document

The US Coast Guard informs it has released the 'Coast Guard Western Hemisphere Strategy' under the signature of Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Paul F. "This morning I signed the Coast Guard Western Hemisphere Strategy. It addresses transnational threats and maritime challenges that threaten the security of our Nation, markets and oceans over the next 10 years. The Coast Guard is globally deployed, but our primary operating area remains in the Western Hemisphere. As we engage future challenges we must think strategically to best position our resources to leverage our unique authorities, capabilities and partnerships to achieve national objectives across the range of Coast Guard missions. Today our nation faces significant emerging threats on our southern borders and transit zones.

02 Sep 2014

Ballast Water Leadership

Richard j. Douglas

Admiral Paul Zukunft, the new U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, could fill the BWT leadership void. Global efforts to combat the spread of invasive species in ballast water are hampered by a leadership void so serious that in April the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) discouraged further ratifications of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) invasive species convention. Admiral Paul Zukunft, the new U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, could fill that void and get those efforts onto the right track. The United States has been blessed with strong Coast Guard Commandants.

07 Aug 2014

USCG Foundation to Honor Fellowmen in Alaska

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that it will honor the men and women who serve in Alaska at its biennial Alaska Awards Dinner at The Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage on Wednesday August 13th. Geraldo Rivera, world-class sailor and Fox News senior correspondent, and Sig Hansen, captain of the F/V Northwestern and star of the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch," will join the Coast Guard Foundation to pay tribute to those who serve in this region – an area known for challenging weather and sea conditions. Admiral Paul F.

30 May 2014

Zukunft Relieves Papp As New Coast Guard Commandant

Adm. Paul Zukunft speaks during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington May 30, 2014. Zukunft relieved Adm. Bob Papp to become the 25th commandant of the Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick

Adm. Paul F. Zukunft assumed command as the 25th commandant of the Coast Guard today, relieving Adm. Bob Papp during a military ceremony at the Douglas A. Munro Coast Guard Headquarters Building. “Adm. Papp’s leadership and resolve have left an indelible mark on the service,” said Zukunft. “To the men and women of the Coast Guard, I'm humbled to stand before you as your 25th Commandant," said Zukunft. Adm. Zukunft reports to Coast Guard Headquarters from Alameda, Calif., where he served as the Coast Guard Pacific Area Commander since 2012.

08 Jan 2014

Russian, Chinese Vessels Freed from Arctic Ice

The Icebreaker Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star experienced 50-knot winds, 20-foot seas and 40-degree rolls, Jan. 5, 2014. (Coast Guard photo by Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star was released by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority from search and rescue duties Jan. 7, following confirmation the Russian-Flagged Akademik Shokalskiy and Chinese-Flagged Xue Long are free from the Antarctic ice due to a favorable change in wind conditions. The Coast Guard Pacific Area command center received confirmation from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority at 2 p.m. Pacific Standard Time that both ships broke through the heavy ice, rendering assistance from the Polar Star no longer necessary.

06 Mar 2014

VADM Paul Zukunft Nominated to be 25th U.S. Coast Guard Commandant

Jeh Charles Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security, announced on February 28th that Paul F. Zukunft has been nominated by President Obama to be the 25th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. His nomination requires Senate confirmation. Johnson said last Friday, "I am proud to announce President Obama's intent to nominate Vice Admiral Paul F. Zukunft as the 25th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. Since I became Secretary, I have had the opportunity to get to know Vice Admiral Zukunft, and if confirmed he will be a great leader for the future of the Coast Guard. As a 37 year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, he has demonstrated this leadership while serving in a number of different capacities, including coordinating federal response to the Deepwater Horizon Spill.

03 Apr 2014

USCG Releases Report on Fatal Rescue Mission

The U.S. Coast Guard has released today the Major Incident Investigation (MII) Report into the incident aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche, which resulted in the death of Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis Obendorf. Obendorf was a crewmember aboard the Alameda-based Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. He died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18, 2013, as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, 2013. The report identifies causal and contributing factors, including equipment failure, placement of small boat personnel and prevailing weather conditions. The investigation found that a capture system designed to automatically secure the small boat into the stern during recovery operations did not function as designed most of the time.

17 Apr 2014

Coast Guard Pacific Area Command Changeover

Rear-Adm. Charles W. Ray: USCG photo

The US Coast Guard informs that Rear Adm. Charles W. Ray will relieve Vice Adm. Paul F. Zukunft  (US Coast Guard Commander designate) as Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area and Coast Guard Defense Forces West, in a change-of-command ceremony at Coast Guard Island in Alameda. Zukunft has served as the Pacific Area Commander since April 2012, and is leaving to assume the duties as the Coast Guard Commandant in Washington, D.C., upon Senate confirmation. “It has been a pleasure serving as the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area commander for the past two years…

22 Apr 2014

Coast Guard Pacific Area receives new commander

Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray relieved Vice Adm. Paul F. Zukunft as Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area and Coast Guard Defense Forces West, in a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., April 22, 2014. “This is not a transition, this is a continuity of leadership,” said Zukunft. Zukunft served as the Pacific Area Commander since April 2012, and is leaving to assume the duties as the Coast Guard Commandant in Washington, D.C., upon Senate confirmation. “It has been a pleasure serving as the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area commander for the past two years, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue my service as the Coast Guard’s 25th Commandant,” said Zukunft. Ray served as the Pacific Area deputy since 2013.