ALCOAST 212/26 - JUL 2026 A REMARKABLE CAREER OF 33 CONTINUOUS YEARS AT SEA - RETIREMENT OF BOSN4 PAUL B. ZADO

R 091807Z JUL 26  MID120041372576U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 212/26
SSIC 1811
SUBJ: A REMARKABLE CAREER OF 33 CONTINUOUS YEARS AT SEA -
RETIREMENT OF BOSN4 PAUL B. ZADO
1. It is with great admiration and respect that I announce
the retirement of BOSN4 Paul B. Zado, a legendary cutterman
who personifies the Coast Guard as a seagoing service.
Spanning an unprecedented 33 continuous years of sea duty
from 1993 to 2026, BOSN Zado's career stands as a historic
monument to the dedication, resilience, and character of
Coast Guard cuttermen.
2. BOSN Zado's extraordinary journey began in 1993 and he
remained on the deckplates for the entirety of his 33-year
career. His expert seamanship, operational acumen, and
steady leadership served as the bedrock of mission
excellence aboard a distinguished fleet of cutters: CGC
PLANETREE, CGC POINT TURNER, CGC STEADFAST, CGC STATEN
ISLAND, CGC COHO, CGC VIGOROUS, CGC AMBERJACK, CGC
SEAHAWK, CGC IDA LEWIS, CGC MORGENTHAU, CGC HARRY
CLAIBORNE, CGC ELM, CGC MAPLE, and ultimately culminating
in his final command, CGC PAMLICO. His lifetime of service
is a powerful, living reminder of the rich rewards, profound
impact, and noble calling of a profession spent serving at
sea.
3. BOSN Zado's legacy inspires us all and underscores the
strategic importance of the Coast Guard cutter fleet. Over
decades on the water, he was instrumental in saving countless
lives, securing our nation's maritime approaches,
facilitating the safe passage of tens of thousands of
vessels, and responding to multiple contingencies. Most
importantly, his leadership has permanently shaped our
Service, leaving an indelible mark on the generations of
cuttermen he led, taught, and inspired. On behalf of a
grateful Coast Guard and Nation, I extend our deepest
appreciation to BOSN Zado for his distinguished, faithful,
and uninterrupted service. I offer my profound thanks to the
Zado family, whose steadfast support and shared sacrifice
made his historic career possible.
4. BOSN Zado, you have left a lasting mark on our fleet and
the character of our crews. Thank you for your unprecedented
service. We have the watch.
5. ADM Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant, USCG, sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.