CLEVELAND — The United States Coast Guard's 9th District, headquartered in Cleveland, has a new commanding officer.
On Thursday at Windows on the River, Rear Admiral Jonathan Hickey was installed during the Coast Guard's change-of-command ceremony.
Rear Adm. Hickey replaces outgoing commanding officer Rear Adm. Michael J. Johnston.
"I couldn't be more excited about this new job," Rear Adm. Hickey told 3News following the ceremony. "I'm excited to get around the district, meet the people, learn the mission, and work on ensuring safety, security, and economic prosperity in the region."
With his new assignment, Rear Adm. Hickey becomes the senior Coast Guard commander for the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway, an area that encompasses eight states, a 1,500 mile international border, and a workforce of over 6,000 Coast Guard active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary men and women.
Before assuming command in Cleveland, Rear Adm. Hickey served as the Coast Guard's director of operational logistics. Prior to that assignment, he served as the Coast Guard’s director of governmental and public affairs, where he was responsible for external engagement with Congress, the media, and other inter-governmental entities.
The 1994 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy holds several honors, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Commendation Medals, two Achievement Medals, and a Commandant’s Letter of Commendation.