FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 3, 1999
Contact: Lt. Cmdr. Gwen Keenan
Telephone: 202-267-0932
CG 13-99

Coast Guard Nominates Six for Promotion to Rear Admiral

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced his approval of the U.S. Coast Guard’s recommendation that five active duty captains and one reserve captain be nominated for promotion to rear admiral lower half.

The captains and their current assignments are:

• Ralph D. Utley, Executive Director, U.S. Interdiction Staff, Washington, D.C.;

• James C. Olson, Chief of Staff, Thirteenth Coast Guard District, Seattle;

• James W. Underwood, Chief of Operations, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, Portsmouth, Va.;

• Kenneth T. Venuto, Executive Assistant to the Commandant, Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C.; and

• Vivien S. Crea, Chief, Office of Programs, Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C.

• Mary O’Donnell, Plans Department Head, Combined Naval Coastal Warfare Group One, San Diego, Calif., was recommended for promotion within the Coast Guard Reserve.

The Coast Guard promotes an average of three to five captains to rear admiral each year. With approximately 300 active duty captains in the Coast Guard, less than the top two percent achieve admiral status annually.

The officers nominated, if confirmed by the Senate, will be promoted according to placement on the promotion list as vacancies occur.

###

Briefing Room