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Commander Mary Ellen J. Durley
Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Cutter ALDER
Commander Mary Ellen J. Durley is a 1995 graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Government. Upon graduation, she served as Deck Watch Officer and Operations Officer aboard USCGC ACACIA (WLB 406), a 180 foot buoy tender in Charlevoix, MI. This was followed by another tour afloat serving as Operations Officer aboard USCGC JUNIPER (WLB 201), a 225 foot buoy tender in Newport, RI. In 1998 she was assigned to the US Coast Guard’s Leadership Development Center at the Coast Guard Academy as a Leadership and Management School instructor for the Leadership and Professional Development branch. During 2000 she transferred to the Officer Candidate School staff and served as the Chief, Nautical Science Section. In 2001, she returned to sea as Executive Officer, USCGC SASSAFRAS (WLB 401), a 180 foot buoy tender in the US territory of Guam. In July 2003, she became Commanding Officer of USCGC THUNDER BAY (WTGB 108), a 140 foot ice-breaking tug in Rockland, ME. In August 2006, she attended graduate studies at Virginia Polytechnic State University, earning a Masters of Public and International Affairs. After attending graduate school in 2007, Commander Durley served as the Deputy Division Chief of the US Coast Guard International Training Division in Yorktown, VA delivering training to partner nations while managing the budget and administration of 54 internationally deployed instructors. Commander Durley’s personal awards include the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (2) with operational distinguishing device, the Department of Transportation 9/11 Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal with operational distinguishing device, the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation (3) with operational distinguishing device, the Permanent Cutterman’s Insignia, and the 2003 Captain Dorothy Stratton Leadership Award. She is the daughter of Robert and Mary Durley of Potosi, Wisconsin.
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