ALCOAST 203/18 - Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard

R 241208 MAY 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC// CG-00//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N12451//
ALCOAST 203/18
COMDTNOTE 12451
SUBJ: Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard
1.  I am pleased to announce that Admiral Charles W. Ray relieved Admiral Charles D. Michel as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard at a ceremony today at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC.
2.  Admiral Ray most recently served as the Deputy Commandant of Operations, where he led the development of Coast Guard operational strategy, policy, guidance, and resources to address our Coast Guard and National priorities.  I know his leadership and ability to direct and support front line operations will continue to drive the Service to reach even greater heights.
3.  As the first four-star Vice Commandant, Admiral Michel led the Coast Guard to three consecutive clean financial audits and oversaw an acquisition program that continues to deliver state-of-the-art assets – on time and on budget.  His leadership and support of my Commandant’s Direction is why the Coast Guard continues to be the Armed Service our Nation trusts for its national security and economic prosperity.  I cannot express how grateful I am that I served alongside Admiral Michel during one of the most dynamic times in our Service history.  On behalf of the entire Coast Guard, I wish Admiral Michel and his wife, Claudia, fair winds and following seas and sincere gratitude for their 33 years of dedicated and groundbreaking Service to Nation.
4.  ADM Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant, sends.
5.  Internet release authorized.