The Coast Guard’s mission is growing in breadth and complexity. Today it faces operational challenges never before seen in its 230-year history. On October 25th, CSIS’s Defense and Security Department will host Vice Admiral Peter Gautier, Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations.
VADM Gautier will sit down with Emily Harding, director of the Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program and vice president of the Defense and Security Department, to discuss the recently signed Coast Guard Operational Posture Statement, how the Coast Guard is prioritizing missions and regions in a changing world, and more. Captain Luke Slivinski, U.S. Coast Guard, will offer introductory remarks.
This event is made possible through general support to CSIS.
Vice Admiral Peter W. Gautier assumed the duties of Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations (DCO), in June 2022. In this capacity, he is responsible for the development of operational strategy, policy, guidance, and resources that address national priorities. This oversight of Coast Guard missions, programs, and services includes: intelligence; international affairs; cyber; the maritime transportation system; commercial regulations and inspections; search and rescue; maritime security; law enforcement; defense operations; environmental response; contingency planning; and the operational capabilities of cutter, boat, aviation, shore, and deployable specialized forces.
Previously, he served as Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, where he was responsible for all Coast Guard missions spanning from the Rocky Mountains west to the waters off the eastern coast of Africa. From 2018 to 2020, he served as Commander, Coast Guard Eleventh District in Alameda, California, where he directed all Coast Guard missions in California and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. During this assignment, he also served as Deputy Director for the Department of Homeland Security Joint Task Force - West, conducting integrated joint investigations and operations along the Southern border and approaches from Texas to California. His first flag assignment was Director of Governmental and Public Affairs for the Coast Guard, where he was responsible for external engagement with Congress, the media and other intergovernmental entities.
From 2015 to 2017, he served as the Senior Director for Response Policy on the National Security Council staff, where he coordinated policy for all-hazards, domestic incident management, national preparedness exercises, and continuity. From 2011 to 2014, he commanded Sector New Orleans, directing all Coast Guard operations in southeast Louisiana. Previously, he served as the Chief of the Deepwater Horizon Action Office, which oversaw policy resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In addition, he served as Chief of Operations for the Deployable Operations Group; Chief, Cargo and Facilities Division at Coast Guard Headquarters; and Commanding Officer of the Gulf Strike Team, where he responded to the World Trade Center attacks, the Shuttle Columbia Disaster, and Hurricane Katrina. In addition, Vice Admiral Gautier served as Chief of Port Operations and Marine Environmental Response at Coast Guard Marine Safety Office San Francisco, and as a U.S. Delegate to United Nations and International Maritime Organization committees governing transportation of hazardous materials. He has also served aboard two Coast Guard cutters, and as Commanding Officer of Loran Station Gesashi, Japan.
Vice Admiral Gautier holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy; a Masters of Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Michigan and a Masters of National Security Strategy from the National War College. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, five Legion of Merits, four Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation medals, the DOT 9/11 Medal, and two Coast Guard Achievement Medals.
