Biography

 

In 1992, I enlisted in the United States Coast Guard directly after High School. I requested and ultimately attended Marine Science Technician School and entered the field of Marine Safety as a Third Class Petty Officer. I was fortunate to be stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii and Santa Barbara, California where I responded to pollution incidents, inspected waterfront facilities, containers carrying hazardous materials and explosives as well as board and inspect foreign vessels entering U.S. Waters.

At the rank of First Class Petty Officer, I desired a career change and applied to Officer Candidate School (OCS) in New London, Connecticut. After acceptance and completion of OCS, I stayed in the field of Marine Safety. I immediately found myself in greater leadership roles requiring me to deal with complex problems. Many of these problems where not only intrinsic to the Coast Guard, but also within the maritime industry that the Coast Guard regulates.