ALCOAST 323/25 - JUL 2025 DEATH OF A FLAG OFFICER

R 221600Z JUL 25 MID120002096898U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 323/25
SSIC 5060
SUBJ: DEATH OF A FLAG OFFICER
A. United States Coast Guard Regulations 1992, COMDTINST 5000.3B
1. It is with profound sadness that I announce the death of
Rear Admiral Michael (Joe) W. Raymond, who passed away
July 19, 2025, in Virginia, at the age of 56.
2. Rear Admiral Raymond was born on June 2, 1969, to John and
Grace Raymond. A native of Williamsburg, VA he attended the
U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT in 1987 and graduated
with honors in 1991.
3. Throughout his distinguished career, RADM Raymond held numerous
command and leadership roles in operations and staff assignments.
His afloat assignments included serving as Deck Watch Officer on
CGC NORTHLAND (WMEC 904) in Portsmouth, Virginia; Executive Officer
on CGC ATTU (WPB 1317) in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Commanding Officer
of CGC SAPELO (WPB 1314) in Key West, Florida; and Commanding
Officer of CGC SHAMAL (WPC 13) in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He
also served ashore as Commanding Officer of MFPU Kings Bay,
Deputy Sector Commander, and Sector Commander of Sector Puget Sound.
4. Additionally, Rear Admiral Raymond served in various critical
and high visibility roles within the organization at the mid-grade
and senior officer levels, including a detail to the U.S. Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Coast Guard
Liaison to the U.S. Senate, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard
Congressional and Governmental Affairs and prior to his flag
selection he served as the Chief of Congressional and Governmental
Affairs for the U.S. Coast Guard. He also served as the Executive
Assistant to the 30th and 31st Vice Commandants.
5. As a Flag Officer, he served as Commander of Force Readiness
Command (FORCECOM) in Norfolk, VA, Assistant Commandant, Human
Resources (CG-1) and Assistant Commandant for Military Personnel
(CG-1M).
6. Rear Admiral Raymond's military awards include four Legions of
Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious
Service Medals, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard
Achievement Medal, as well as various unit and campaign awards.
He was awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal on
June 13, 2025.
7. Rear Admiral Raymond is survived by his wife Kristi and his
three children John, Anna and Abigail, as well as, his mother
Grace Raymond.
8. Rear Admiral Raymond will be laid to rest at
Arlington National Cemetery. Funeral service information and
half-mast instructions will be sent via separate message.
9. ADM Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant (CCG), sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.