ALCOAST 064/20 - MAR 2020 DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER

R 041052 MAR 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CCG//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05360//
ALCOAST 064/20
COMDTNOTE 5360
SUBJ:  DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER
A. United States Coast Guard Regulations 1992, COMDTINST M5000.3 (series)
1. It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Vice Admiral John P. Currier,
USCG (retired), who passed away on Sunday, 1 March 2020 in Traverse City, MI at the
age of 68. 
2. VADM Currier was born in Westbrook, Maine, and was commissioned from Officer
Candidate School in 1976. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1977. An alumnus of the
University of Southern Maine, he held a Master's in Business Administration from
Embry-Riddle University. He was a 1996 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air War College
and held a Level III Acquisition Program Manager certification.
3. During his career, VADM Currier stood the watch at six Coast Guard Air Stations.
He was designated an Aeronautical Engineer in 1982. Other assignments included Deputy
Program Manager (Engineering) for the Coast Guard and Navy HH-60H/J joint helicopter
acquisition at the Naval Air Systems Command, and Chief of SAR Operations & Director
of Auxiliary for the Ninth Coast Guard District. VADM Currier served as Commanding
Officer of Air Stations Detroit and Miami, then the world’s busiest air-sea search
and rescue unit. Subsequently, he was assigned as Pacific Area Chief of Operations,
then Area Chief of Staff.
4. Promoted to Flag rank in 2005, VADM Currier served as Assistant Commandant for
Acquisition at Headquarters, then as Commander of the Thirteenth District in the
Pacific Northwest. He assumed the duties of the Coast Guard’s Chief of Staff in 2009,
later transitioning that position to the Service’s first Deputy Commandant for Mission
Support. VADM Currier assumed duties as the 28th Vice Commandant in May 2012 until
his retirement in May of 2014.
5. VADM Currier was a veteran aviator with over 6,000 flight hours in Coast Guard
and Navy fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. He was the 23rd Ancient Albatross, the
longest serving Coast Guard Aviator on active duty. His professional recognition
includes the Harmon International Aviation Trophy, the Alaska Air Command SAR Pilot
of the Year Award, American Helicopter Society, Fredrick L. Feinberg Award and the
Naval Helicopter Association SAR Aircrew of the Year, all awarded for hazardous
rescue missions.
6. VADM Currier is survived by his wife, the former Mary Jane Greenleaf of South
Portland, Maine, and their two sons, Benjamin and Andrew.
7. A funeral mass will take place at 1100 on Friday, March 6, 2020 in Traverse
City, MI at St. Joseph Catholic Church with a visitation beginning at 1000. A second
Memorial Mass will be held at 1100 on Friday, April 17th in Westbrook, Maine at St.
Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Final interment will be in Arlington National
Cemetery on a date to be determined.
8. Half-mast instructions will be sent via separate message. 
9. VADM Currier’s obituary can be found at:
https://www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com/obituaries/John-Currier-3/.
10. ADM Karl Schultz, Commandant, sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.