ALCOAST 198/26 - JUN 2026 DEATH OF THE NINTH MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD (MCPOCG)

R 301200Z JUN 26   MID120041351104U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 198/26
SSIC 5360
SUBJ: DEATH OF THE NINTH MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE
COAST GUARD (MCPOCG)
1. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of
MCPOCG Franklin A. Welch, USCG (Retired), who passed away
on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
2. MCPOCG Welch enlisted in the Coast Guard on November 30,
1979. Over the course of a distinguished 26-year career,
he served as a Quartermaster aboard Coast Guard Cutters
SWEETBRIER, HARRIET LANE, VIGOROUS, and GALVESTON ISLAND,
and as Officer-in-Charge of Coast Guard Cutters SOCKEYE and
POINT CHICO. MCPOCG Welch also served as the Ninth District
Command Master Chief in Cleveland, Ohio and as School
Chief of the Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma,
California. From 2002 to 2006, he served as the ninth Master
Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
3. Throughout his tenure, MCPOCG Welch was a visionary leader
and a driving force behind key initiatives that shaped the
modern enlisted workforce. He championed the creation of the
Senior Enlisted Command Master Chief course, led the
consolidation of the Chief Petty Officer Academy at TRACEN
Petaluma, and was instrumental in establishing MCPOCG Hall at
TRACEN Cape May, providing increased capacity for training and
collaboration. He also spearheaded the implementation of
the Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) program,
fundamentally improving and modernizing the enlisted
advancement process.
4. MCPOCG Welch earned permanent Cutterman and Coxswain
insignias, the Command Master Chief badge, and the Officer
in Charge Afloat device. His personal awards include the
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, three Meritorious
Service Medals, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Navy
Commendation Medal, and the Transportation 9-11 Medal, in
addition to numerous other personal, unit, and team awards.
He was also honored as the Coast Guardsman of the Year in
1991.
5. Directions for half-masting the National Ensign, funeral
and memorial service arrangements, and instructions for
expressions of sympathy will be promulgated via separate
message.
6. Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant, and MCPOCG Phillip N.
Waldron, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, send.
7. Internet release is authorized.