ALCOAST 099/26 - APR 2026 NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS FOR CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD

R 231234Z APR 26   MID180038729628U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 099/26
SSIC 1401
SUBJ: NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS FOR CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD
A. MOU between USPHS and USCG DTD 05 FEB 25
1. Under the provisions of REF (A), the U.S. Public Health Service
(USPHS) assigns an officer to serve as the Chief Medical Officer
(CMO) of the U.S. Coast Guard for a four-year term. Pursuant to
statutory authority, the officer encumbering this position holds
the grade corresponding to that of an O-8 (Rear Admiral).
2. The Assistant Secretary for Health, in coordination with the
Commandant of the USCG, will consider USPHS medical officers who
apply for this assignment beginning on or about July 1, 2026.
To be eligible for consideration, an officer must meet the following
criteria:
     a. USPHS Regular Corps medical officer (Doctor of Medicine or
Doctor of Osteopathy) with the grade of O-6 and above,
     b. Eligible for retirement within four years of appointment,
     c. Have a current, satisfactory COER (2025) and valid license
on file with Commissioned Corps Headquarters,
     d. Meet basic readiness standards; and
     e. No adverse actions.
3. Additionally, preference will be given to physicians who are
board-certified and who have served on active duty with the Armed
Forces or within the Department of Homeland Security.
4. To be considered, USPHS Regular Corps medical officers must
submit the following in one combined PDF:
     a. Outline and summary not exceeding two-pages (Times New Roman,
12-point font) explaining your unique qualifications using the
standard USCG memo format.
     b. Current Curriculum Vitae in USPHS Commissioned Corps promotion
format.
     c. Copy of your current PIR.
     d. Full length photograph in Service Dress Blues.
5. All nomination packets must be submitted, through the first flag
officer or Senior Executive Service (SES) in the applicant's chain
of command, for review by the Coast Guard Chief Medical Officer
Board. Documents should be submitted electronically as one PDF
document to the Flag Portfolio Manager, at PHSflag@hhs.gov and
CDR Katrina Burbage, Chief of Staff, Commissioned Corps
Headquarters, at katrina.burbage@hhs.gov. Please save your
submission in the format: "(LastName)_USCG Application" and include
the same naming convention in your subject line. Submissions must be
received by May 15, 2026.
6. A nomination Board will review applications and the officer's
electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) in making its
recommendation. It is suggested that candidates review their eOPF to
ensure that it is up-to-date.
7. POCS:
     a. For questions about the submission process, email
PHSFlag@hhs.gov.
     b. Questions concerning the general board process can be directed
to CDR Osvaldo Vera at Osvaldo.E.Vera@uscg.mil.
8. RADM Charles E. Fosse, Deputy Commandant for Personnel
(CG-DCP), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.