News Release

NEW LONDON, Conn. - First Class Cadet Michael Ahlin, a 2004 graduate of R.A. Long High School and son of Jan and Valerie Ahlin of Longview, Wash., was named the U.S. Coast Guard Academy regimental commander for the fall semester during a ceremony on the Washington Parade Field here Monday.

The regimental commander, the highest ranking cadet in the corps, along with the rest of the regimental staff, tends to the administration of cadet companies and activities at the cadet level.

The new regimental commander began his Coast Guard career after completing three years of college course work at Washington State University in criminal justice.

With only six classes, the equivalent of one semester, standing between himself and graduation, Ahlin decided to hit the reset button and start anew at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as a swab in 2007. 

Ahlin had the added pressure of time to make his decision to attend CGA due to the academy's maximum age eligibility requirement of 22.

Now, with less than a year before graduating with a degree in Government and earning a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard, Ahlin is taking on another challenge by leading the more than 1,000 members who make up the academy's Corps of Cadets during the fall semester.

NEW LONDON, Conn. - First Class Cadet Michael Ahlin (left) exchanges shoulder boards with First Class Cadet Michael Burke during a regimental commander change of command ceremony at the academy's Washington Parade Field here Monday, Aug. 16, 2010.

Ahlin was able to compete against other high-performing cadets during two-week interview process which took into account one's leadership philosophy, academic standing and military bearing. 

"It is an honor to have been selected as the fall semester regimental commander," said Ahlin. "I look forward to serving the Corps of Cadets and to, hopefully, make a positive and lasting impact on the U.S. Coast Guard Academy."

During his time at the academy, Ahlin participated as a pitcher on the NCAA Division III varsity baseball team and held the position of vice president for the Society for Politics and International Affairs club.

The regimental commander is the liaison between the commandant of cadets and the corps. Other responsibilities include maintaining good order and discipline, overseeing welfare of the student body and ensuring cadets comply to the regulations and policies established by the superintendent and commandant of cadets.

Editor’s Note: Michael Ahlin is available for media interviews. Media interested in speaking with Ahlin are asked to contact the Public Affairs Office at (860) 444-8270.