RDML Frank Schaefer assumed the duties of Senior Reserve Officer to the Deputy Commandant for Operations in June 2022. In this capacity, he serves as the Senior Reserve Officer and advisor to the Deputy Commandant for Operations (DCO) and Deputy for Operations, Policy and Capabilities (DCO-D) on reserve operational strategy, policy, capability and resources to meet national priorities for U.S. Coast Guard missions, programs and services. He is responsible for communicating Reserve Component capabilities, processes, procedures, and impacts to mobilization to headquarters staffs and field-level commands.
RDML Schaefer previously served as Coast Guard Pacific Area Reserve Chief of Staff from 2019 to 2021, where he serves as the principal advisor to the Area Commander, Deputy Area Commander and Area Staff regarding mobilization and augmentation readiness, training, and force employment for over 1,750 drilling reservists. As Pacific Area Senior Reserve Officer, he led, managed, and developed Pacific Area Reserve Senior Leadership Team of four District Senior Reserve Officers, Area and District Command Master Chiefs, and Captains serving at Combat Command’s, and Maritime Expeditionary Security Groups.
RDML Schaefer previously served as the Pacific Area Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer (EPLO) Coordinator from 2017 to 2019, where he serves as the principal advisor for Reserve responses to emergent multi-mission contingency response operations and mission planning support across 74 million square miles.
Prior to his assignment as an EPLO Coordinator, RDML Schaefer was the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Reserve Unit United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) from 2014 to 2017. As Commanding Officer, he serves as the principal advisor to the Director of Reserve Forces NORTHCOM on all Coast Guard Reserve matters, providing strategic guidance on reserve support to Interagency, Planning, Operations, Personnel, and Logistics.
RDML Schaefer enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1982. After recruit training, he attended Submarine School and Fire Control Technician School. As a Fire Controlman, he served aboard the USS NATHAN HALE (SSBN 623), USS TECUMSEH (SSBN 628), and USS HOLLAND (AS-32). He earned Naval Warfare Designators in Submarine and Surface Warfare Specialist. In 1989, RDML Schaefer enlisted in the Coast Guard as an Electronics Technician First Class.
Upon Commissioning in August 1992, RDML Schaefer served as a SAR Operations Duty Officer at Coast Guard Group Charleston qualifying as SAR Controller and Command Duty Officer. Served as Alternate Chief of Response.
RDML Schaefer has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He is a graduate of two 18-month Department of Navy Leadership Development Programs. In 2006, he was selected and completed the Department of the Navy, Shore Station Senior Leadership Course for Prospective Commanding Officers of Naval Shore Installations. RDML Schaefer has studied at the National Defense University, Naval War College, Army War College, and the Joint Forces Staff College.
In 2011, RDML Schaefer was awarded the prestigious Coast Guard Captain John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award.
RDML Schaefer personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (5), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal (3), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.