Admiral Allen retires from Coast Guard

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

Admiral Thad Allen. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Grace Baldwin)

Admiral Thad Allen. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Grace Baldwin)

Today, Admiral Thad Allen officially retired from the United States Coast Guard.  When he wakes up tomorrow morning as a civilian, he will no longer wear the uniform but will continue to serve the nation as the National Incident Commander of the BP oil spill.

Back in May, we paid tribute to Admiral Allen with a Guardian of the Week feature on the day Admiral Bob Papp relieved Allen as Commandant of the Coast Guard.

“Admiral Allen is a friend, a shipmate and a great leader. While the Coast Guard will miss having him in uniform, it is no surprise that he has chosen to answer the call and continues to serve our nation,” said Admiral Papp. “I wish him the best.”

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  • Tom Gary

    What a great leader and a true American hero. Proud to have served under him!

  • MCPO Edna Doak, USCGR

    ADM Allen has guided the U.S. Coast Guard through some of it’s most difficult times, and it has been a true honor and privilege to have served under his command. ADM Allen’s exemplary leadership solidified the value of the Coast Guard to our country and the world, and he generously acknowledged the contributions of others in his successes. When the task of National Incident Commander is completed, our Nation would benefit from having this military leader in the White House. I hope ADM Allen will consider running for President of the United States. Live long and prosper, Admiral!!

  • JA

    Does anyone know what his pay grade will be?

  • Rob Davis

    ADM Allen,

    What a privilege and honor to have served with you personally during Hurricane Katrina and Rita. I had the chance to talk with you a few times. It was always interesting and encouraging. I wish you a long and happy retirement or whatever your path may take you. DCC,USCGR

  • Orlando Torres

    I’m in the process of join in the US Coast Guard, the BEST branch. I always knew that the Admiral Thad Allen was a great leader and a great inspiration for all coasties. I really wish you a good and very deserve retirement, and a good life with your love ones.

  • Mrs. Nancy Johnsen, Livermore, CA

    Admiral Allen, thank you for your service, Sir. It was an honor for me last September to sit on the Sacramento McClellan Air Base tarmac as both a Coast Guard mom (only child 20, 720 CGCSHERMAN) to hear you so admirably, honorably and patriotically speak with genuine heartfelt sincerity at the memorial for our great loss of 7 United States Coast Guardians and 2 United States Marine Corps soldiers when their aircrafts collided while on a search and rescue near Catalina Island. With my hand over my heart and a tear in both eyes, I salute you, Admiral. You are a remarkable man, Sir, and our Nation genuinely needed you. God speed, Admiral.

  • Mark

    He has no idea how much we miss him already. Smooth sailing my friend.

  • Matt

    Thank you for transforming the Coast Guard. You started great work that I hope will be continued by those that follow you.

    My hope is that you will seek public office at the highest levels

  • Gay Pyle

    ADM Allen was my first Commanding Officer As a Petty Officer, I had just gotten out of “A” School. He showed me the meaning of “work hard, Play hard”. and made me want to be a Coastie for life. I now have almost 20yrs in.

    Good luck in all you do sir
    YN1 Gay Pyle

  • Stu Streck

    Tomorrow, I too will begin a civilian life. I had the opportunity to meet and speak with you on a couple different occasions, all during times of turmoil (after 9/11 on the CGC Dauntless, Katrina, and Cosco Busan). Though our paths always crossed in the thick of a fight, I have always been inspired by your level head and calm demeanor. As we take the uniform off for the last time tonight, know that I still look up to you as a true leader and hope to emulate your command philosophy as I begin a new career in US DOT. Hand Salute! Ready, Two.

  • Jim Mello

    I had the pleasure to meet and brief Admiral Allen when he came to our office and selected the design and material for the Untucked ODU.
    I admired his professionalism and attention to the needs of all Coasties. I have been deeply involved with the development of the Summer Wear uniform, another of Admiral Allen’s keen initiatives.

    Best to Admiral Allen!

  • Mark

    In 1980, and early in my dealings with Adm. Allen, he was in working blues (and a full beard), and the issue was the barge “Michelle F”–aground with a few million gallons of oil adjacent a wildlife refuge just north of Atlantic City. Isn’t it something he goes out with a similar case?

    “We work hard here, we party hard here…and we do both with equal enthusiasm.”

    All the best.

  • AMTCS Peter MacDougall

    ADM Allen,
    To say “It’s been an Honor and a Privilege” to serve with you hardly captures the gift of inspiration and leadership that you’ve so selflessly shared with us for so many years. To have watched the reactions on the faces of those that you’ve touched, the mourning family members when you hug them, the gleeful graduates when you congratulate them, the exhausted rescuers when you say “Well done!”, the proud young Coastguard members with their whole careers ahead of them as you encourage them on their way, the veteran Auxiliarists when you thank them for their dedication and service, all that have gathered around you (and there were always so many); you have changed lives and inspired generations. My heartfelt appreciation, and very best to you and all of your family for your combined efforts on all of our behalves. ‘Fair winds (aloft;-)

  • Chad Smith

    I can’t tell you how proud I am to have served under Admiral Allen! He was and still is an inspiring leader, and he has set the bar for future Coast Guard Commandants. I can’t imagine having to try and fill his shoes.

    OSC Chad Smith

  • U.S. Coast Guard Veteran PJK

    Success has certainly followed your flag, Admiral. I have watched your work in the past four years with admiration, deep respect and pride in both you and the Coast Guard. In my head I’m coming up with all sorts of eloquent things to say here but I think simple says it best. THANK YOU for for service, for your leadership, for your vision and for your concern for your people. May your retirement years bring you much contentment, happiness and peace!

  • Carlos Vega

    Adm Thad Allen for president 2012

  • AUX Robert Dittman

    ADM Allen, Thank you for supporting all Guardians and I hope we do not forget this title as it captures what we truely are Guardians of and for others. Semper Paratus sir, and I hope we meet again. It was an honor to have served under you.

  • Joe King

    When I met this guy he was a newly graduated ensign on the
    USCGC Androscoggin based at Coast Guard base Miami Beach.
    He and Seadog Sealander reported aboard from the academy.
    I transferred off shortly after their arrival. And ran
    into Ltjg Allen in Puerto Rico. He was stationed there
    and my ship was enroute to Seattle from Boston. He surprised
    me when he remembered my name. Good Luck Admiral in everything
    you decide to do. Thanks for at least once
    remembering an old radioman. Fair winds and following seas Sir.

    Joe

  • Kim Castrobran

    As recipient of the 2009 Como Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award, I received a phone call from ADM Allen informing me of the award. It was quite a shock, albeit an honor. I met the ADM at CG HQ for the award ceremony, which was one of the most memorable moments in my life. I had a chance to see him again at NACON 2009 in Chicago and at his stop in CG Sector Los Angeles on his farewell tour. He is the real deal! Super-duper guy! Has done more to promote the CG and incorporate the CG Auxiliary than anyone else before him. Good luck as NIC for the Gulf spill. Anyone care to start a grassroots campaign for the ADM for 2012?

    Best wishes Sir.
    Kim Castrobran
    USCG Auxiliary – Flotilla 05-09(11sr)

  • Barry McClung

    The Coast Guard has well and truly benefited from your hand at the helm. May you succeed in all your future endeavors. Fair winds and following seas, Admiral Allen.

  • Danny Prosser

    Today I have 30 years Federal Service. I have seen only 3 or 4 great leaders in my service with the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. None were greater than Admiral Allen. My hope for the country is that he continues to serve the country in public service. Thank you sir it was an Honor!

  • SK1 Ernest Jenkins (Ret)

    Just a line to say congratulations! I was assigned to 3rd District Pay Office (Governors Island). Handled your pay when YNCS Bombery was in charge of Military Personnel at Group Atlantic City. Fair winds and following seas.

  • Leon Pikor SK3

    Thank you for helping in Times of emergency in the Oil spill.

    Leon Pikor SK3

  • Patrick Denny

    He’s the type of Flag Officer every service needs.

  • CDR Nancy Galloway, USCGR

    Admiral Allen, In my 38 plus years in the Coast Guard you are to me at the very top of what America needs in it’s leaders. You have done so much for our great country there are no words to thank you enough. And your willingness to stay on to over see the disaster in the gulf is just to awe inspiring. What a pleasure to have served with you sir…and remember Chardonnay will always be our friend!

  • Ruben D Paz USCG AUX

    Good luck in your well earned retirement. It has been a priviledge to serve in the CG Aux. under your command. Hope to see you seeking for the Highest Office in our Land, we need people like you with love and commitment to Our Country…
    Ruben D Paz
    USCG Auxiliary
    070-06-09

  • Rich Waring

    ADM Allen for President? Has a good ring to it.

  • Antonio Viana

    Sir,
    You will be missed . Thank you for your superb leadership.
    Antonio Viana
    IP SO-VE 7th District- Div 3 – Flotilla 4 Pompano Beach FLA.

  • Ron Schleis

    Admiral Allen

    I am proud to have served under you way back when you were still a LCDR, and an outstanding Captain. I learned a lot from you, I am sure with out you ever realizing it. I will always be proud to say I worked for you. Wishing you fair winds and following seas in your retirement. Thanks for all you do.

    Ron

  • p busker

    Thad Allen needs to run for President in 2012…