On Friday, Vice Admiral Vivian S. Crea was relieved as the Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard by Vice Admiral David P. Pekoske. Below is the message issued by Coast Guard Commandant Adm Thad Allen upon VAMD Crea’s relief.
This morning I presided at the change of watch ceremony where VADM Vivien S. Crea was relieved as Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard by VAMD David P. Pekoske
VADM Crea served the Coast Guard with Distinction for over 36 years. Throughout her career she commanded both fixed and rotary winged air assets and later commanded two Coast Guard Air Stations. Among the many precedents she set, VADM Crea was the firsts female Commanding Officer of an air station, as well as the first female District and Area Commander. She is also our Ancient Albatross, the longest serving aviator on active duty, an honor she holds until her official retirement in October.
As a Flag Officer, VADM Crea commanded the First District and the Atlantic Area, leading our forces through significant changes in missions and priorities following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
Following her historic selections as Vice Commandant, the first woman to achieve such a rank within the Armed Forces, VADM Crea served three demanding years executing the many organizational changes I envisioned for the Coast Guard and overseeing moderniastion efforts in anticipation of authorizing legislation.
Consistently delivering exceptional vision,judgement and trusted counsel to me and the Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Crea championed acquisition reform, personally led service efforts to achieve audit readiness and demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to improving quality of life for service members and their families.
In aviators parlance, she covered my six and above all else, I valued her loyalty and friendship. I speak for the entire service as I wish her the very best in her journey home for a well deserved landing with family and friends.
I welcome VADM Pekoske and his family back to Washington, D.C. from Alameda, CA where he most recently commanded the Pacific Area and led efforts t modernize our service and stand up the Two-Star Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM).
VADM Pekoske previously served as Commander of the First District and as my Assistant Commandant for Operations where he was responsible for strategic-level Planning, Policy and Resourcing for all of the Coast Guards operating programs. I look forwards to his leadership and expertise in helping the Coast Guard in our ongoing efforts to modernize our organization.
Leadership transitions are part of the fabric of military service. While names change, our service commitment to being Semper Paratus remains firmly intact. Our Guardian Ethos – The Willingness to Protect, Save, and Defend the Maritime Public – will continue to guide our decisions as we modernize the Coast Guard to Meet the Maritime Challenges of the 21st century.
Admiral Thad Allen, Commandant
