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Paul E. Baker

Paul E. BakerCommander, U.S. Coast Guard
Commanding Officer, Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, Charleston, SC

CDR Baker graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Government and was commissioned as an Ensign in May 1993. His first assignment was USCGC TAMPA (WMEC-902), a medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he served as a Deck Watch Officer and First Lieutenant until 1995. During his tour, TAMPA was involved with Operations Able Manner and Able Vigil and directly responsible for the safe interdiction and rescue of more than 3,000 Haitian and Cuban migrants. Following TAMPA, he served as Executive Officer in USCGC KISKA (WPB 1336), homeported in Hilo, Hawaii from 1995-1997. After completing his tour in Hilo, CDR Baker reported to the Seventh District Command Center in Miami, Florida as a Search and Rescue/Law Enforcement Controller where he served from 1997-2000. CDR Baker then served as Commanding Officer USCGC GRAND ISLE (WPB 1338), homeported in Gloucester, MA until 2002.

During his tour, GRAND ISLE deployed to New York City immediately following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Despite coming from the furthest distance, GRAND ISLE was one of the first assets to arrive on scene and participated in one of the largest Port Security Operations since World War II. From 2002-2003, CDR Baker attended Florida State University and received a Master’s of Science Degree in Instructional Technology. In 2003, he arrived at Coast Guard Headquarters and served as a Performance Analyst in the Office of Training, Workforce Performance & Development (CG-132/FORCECOM FC-51) until 2007. CDR Baker served as Executive Officer in USCGC CONFIDENCE (WMEC-619) from 2007-2009. In August 2009, CDR Baker reported to the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy as Commanding Officer.

CDR Baker’s personal awards include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal with operational distinguishing device (four awards), the Transportation 9-11 Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal with operational distinguishing device, Commandant's Letter of Commendation with operational distinguishing device, the Secretary’s Outstanding Unit Award with operational distinguishing device, the Coast Guard Unit Commendation (three awards) and Meritorious Unit Commendation (three awards), the National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Humanitarian Service Medal (two awards) and the Pistol Markmanship Medal.

A native of Wading River, NY, Commander Baker is married to the former Cynthia Buchanan of Dallas, TX and they have 3 children, Ryan (13), Zachary (8) and Connor (4).

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