Security Levels
U.S.
Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City
"Guardians of the Great Lakes"
Commander Jonathan Spaner
Commanding Officer
CDR Jonathan Spaner reports to Air Station Traverse City, Michigan from
Washington, DC where he served as Deputy Chief of the Coast Guard Office of
Budget and Programs. In this role, he was responsible for formulation and
advocacy of the Coast Guard's 11 appropriations valued at over $9 billion,
as well as strategic review of Coast Guard programs, policy and legislation.
His prior operational assignments include Air Stations Sacramento, CA,
Clearwater, FL, and Astoria, OR where he held qualifications as an
Instructor Pilot in the HC-130H Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Aircraft
Commander in the HH-60J Helicopter. In 2000, his C-130 crew was awarded the
Coast Guard's Elmer Stone Aviation Rescue Award for a mission in Bolivia.
In 2002, CDR Spaner was one of 13 people nationwide appointed by the
President to serve as a White House Fellow. In this role, he served as
Special Assistant to the President's Homeland Security Advisor and was
advanced the following year to White House Director for Port and Cargo
Security on the Homeland Security Council Staff.
In 2006, CDR Spaner was selected to serve as Strategic Policy Advisor to the
Commander of U.S. Central Command where he was responsible for advising the
top U.S. Commander in the Middle East on national security policy, as well
as developing testimony and writing speeches. This position involved regular
travel to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as numerous other
countries throughout the Middle East, Africa and Central Asian States.
CDR Spaner is a Cum Laude graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in
Kings Point, NY where he served as Regimental Commander. He holds an M.S. in
Management from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and is a
Distinguished Graduate from U.S. Naval Pilot Training in Pensacola, FL.
CDR Spaner is a former International Affairs Fellow at the Council on
Foreign Relations and German Marshall Fellow. His military awards include
the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal
(three awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and others. He
has served as a qualified and matched "big brother" through Big Brothers/Big
Sisters of America in Pensacola, FL; Northern Virginia; and Tampa, FL.
Executive Officer
Commander Andrew D. Myers
Command Master Chief
AMTCM Jeffrey C. Waite