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based on the high latitude study of 2012. gas on that one. understood today than before. We have around and talked to those 99 kids, there

Within that 6-3-1, a minimum of three What’s different is I think our brand, always had good quality folks, but the were 99 compelling reasons why they heavy, or Polar Security Cutters, and our national brand is stronger than it was men and women joining the Coast Guard wanted to serve their nation in the Unit- then the one is we need one now. If we when I entered the Coast Guard. I think today are motivated. I had the privilege ed States Coast Guard. I said to myself, don’t start awarding a contract soon, I’m the brand of the Coast Guard today is of mentoring a couple boot camp ses- “Man, these kids want to serve.” So my not so sure we can bridge the life span the highest I ever remember. I think the sions at Cape May, and the last time challenge is to make the Coast Guard a of the Polar Star much beyond a handful work we do is more valued, it’s better there were 99 recruits. When we went rewarding experience for them.

of years. The nation really needs to pay attention up there, and the Coast Guard’s the right agency on that.

Who inside or outside the Coast Guard do you consider the greatest in? uence on your leadership style?

As I think back, I had access to about six different commandants over an ex- tended period of time, different leader- ships teams, you know, during my time in and out of Washington. I derived a lot from being around that many differ- ent senior leaders here in Washington, its vice commandants, the comman- dants. In terms of personal leadership – what makes me tick – my dad prob- ably a little bit. He was a school teacher and he’s an active guy in his community.

He would go to work every day as a teacher, a coach, and try to make a dif- ference in young people’s lives. I think

I’ve always enjoyed the people side of the Coast Guard. The thing that really gets me most excited is when I get a note from somebody that says, “Hey, re- member me? I was a seaman on this ship you commanded. I’m now an of? cer in charge of station so-and-so. If you hadn’t helped me work across that rough spot in my career I wouldn’t be here.” Those are the things that I derive the most personal satisfaction: the ability to push some next-generation of leaders through and help shape their careers.

One more question and I’ll let you get

Swedish safety to your important business. From the time you entered the Coast Guard to today, how’s the Coast Guard most at sea since 1888 the same? How’s the Coast Guard most different?

Your safety, our constant concern is the driving It’s the same in that we are not a whole force behind IKAROS wide range of life saving lot bigger. Also unchanged: we don’t products. look that much more like the America

Ikaros stands for safety at sea. Our products are we represent. So that’s why the conver- proven by years and years of use in the toughest sation about a more diverse Coast Guard, conditions. When at sea, there are no room for a Coast Guard more representative of the mistakes. Ikaros offers all the sea safety pro- society we serve – is important to me. ducts you need. But more importantly – we make

We are a better Coast Guard with diver- sure they will work.

sity – cultural diversity, educational di-

Our products are globally approved and meet versity, geographic diversity, gender di- the demanding SOLAS* requirements.

versity – I think all that contributes to the *International Convention for best ideas surfacing. And folks that come the Safety of Life at Sea in the Coast Guard want to look up in their respective enlisted rating. As an of- ? cer, they want to see folks that look like them that are rising to the upper echelons of Coast Guard leadership. That’s going www.ikarossignals.com to take us some time, but I’m committed to that and we need to put a foot on the www.marinelink.com 53

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