John Currier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John P. Currier
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VADM Currier, 28th Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
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| Born | December 18, 1951 Portland, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | March 1, 2020 (aged 68) Traverse City, Michigan, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Coast Guard |
| Years of service | 1976–2014 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | Chief of Staff, USCG Coast Guard District Thirteen Coast Guard Air Station Miami Coast Guard Air Station Detroit |
| Battles/wars | Cold War September 11, 2001 attacks |
| Awards | Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal Coast Guard Commendation Medal with "O" device Coast Guard Achievement Medal with "O" device |
John P. Currier (born December 18, 1951 – died March 1, 2020) was a very important leader in the United States Coast Guard. He was the 28th Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. This role is like being the second-in-command of the entire Coast Guard.
He held this high position from May 2012 to May 2014. Before that, he was in charge of Coast Guard District 13. He also served as the Chief of Staff for the Coast Guard.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Currier was born in Portland, Maine. He went to Cheverus High School and graduated in 1970. He lived in Westbrook, Maine with his family.
Before joining the Coast Guard, he worked for the Westbrook Police Department. He later earned a degree from the University of Southern Maine. He also got a Masters in Business from Embry–Riddle University.
Joining the Coast Guard
Currier joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1976. He became an officer after finishing Officers' Candidate School. In 1977, he became a Coast Guard Aviator, which means he was a pilot.
He also studied at the U.S. Air Force Air War College in 1996. This helped him learn more about military leadership.
Coast Guard Career Highlights
Currier had many important jobs during his time in the Coast Guard. He worked at Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Sitka, Alaska. He became an Aeronautical Engineer in 1982. This meant he was an expert in aircraft engineering.
He served as an Engineering Officer at Air Stations in Traverse City, Michigan, and Astoria, Oregon. He also helped manage the purchase of new helicopters for the Coast Guard and Navy. From 1996 to 1998, he was the commander of Air Station Detroit, Michigan.
Search and Rescue Operations
From 1998 to 2001, Currier was the Chief of Search and Rescue Operations. He also directed the Coast Guard Auxiliary for the Great Lakes area. This involved leading many missions to help people in danger.
From 2001 to 2003, he commanded Air Station Miami. This was the busiest air-sea rescue unit in the world. He led many brave rescue missions there. Later, he became the Chief of Operations for the Pacific Area.
Leadership Roles
In 2005, Currier was promoted to Flag rank. This is a very high rank in the military. His last job before becoming Vice Commandant was Assistant Commandant for Acquisition. In this role, he helped the Coast Guard get the equipment and supplies they needed.
He was a very experienced pilot, flying over 6,000 hours. He flew both fixed-wing planes and helicopters.
Awards and Recognition
VADM Currier received many awards for his bravery and service. These awards recognized his hazardous rescue missions. Some of his top awards include:
- The Harmon International Aviation Trophy
- The Alaska Air Command SAR Pilot of the Year Award
- The Fredrick L. Feinberg Award from the American Helicopter Society
- The Naval Helicopter Association SAR Aircrew of the Year
He was also known as the "Ancient Albatross." This title is given to the longest-serving Coast Guard Aviator on active duty.
Personal Life
John Currier passed away on March 1, 2020, at his home in Traverse City, Michigan. He was 68 years old. He was married to Mary Jane Greenleaf and they had two sons.
Images for kids
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Naval Aviator Badge
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Homeland Security Distinguished Service Ribbon
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Coast Guard Distinguished Service Ribbon
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Legion of Merit Ribbon
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Distinguished Flying Cross Ribbon
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Meritorious Service Medal Ribbon
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Air Medal Ribbon
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U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medal Ribbon
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9-11 Medal Ribbon
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U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medal Ribbon
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Presidential Unit Citation for Hurricane Katrina
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Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon
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Coast Guard Unit Commendation Ribbon
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Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
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Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon
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Meritorious Team Commendation Ribbon
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Bicentennial Unit Commendation Ribbon
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National Defense Service Medal Ribbon
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Ribbon
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Humanitarian Service Ribbon
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Special Operations Service Ribbon
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USCG Expert Rifle Ribbon
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USCG Expert Pistol Ribbon
