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Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on New Director of Operations

Release Date: 07/06/06 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
July 6, 2006

I am pleased to announce that Vice Admiral (Ret.) Roger T. Rufe, Jr. has started as the new Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Operations Directorate.  Admiral Rufe is returning to public service after a distinguished 34-year career with the United States Coast Guard.  He most recently held the position of President and CEO of the Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC.  

Admiral Rufe previously served in some of the most senior and demanding operational posts at the Coast Guard.  He captained five ships and held the Pacific and Atlantic Area commands, as well as leading other key Coast Guard field offices.  He also served as vice chairman of the National Response Team, chief of the Coast Guard Congressional Relations Office, representative to the North Pacific and Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Councils, and delegate to the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization.  

Admiral Rufe is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.  He holds a master’s degree in public administration from New York University, and he has maintained leadership positions in several non-governmental associations, societies and commissions involved in oceanic policy.

Admiral Rufe brings tremendous operational expertise and experience to this new and important leadership role, which involves joint operations and incident management, as well as overseeing the National Operations Center and Incident Advisory Council.  He has my gratitude for his willingness to serve the American public once again, and he has my full support as he completes the task of fully integrating department operations and strengthening intra-government coordination.  

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This page was last reviewed/modified on 07/06/06 00:00:00.