CAPTAIN ROBERT J. TARANTINO, USCG

Captain Tarantino graduated in 1987 from the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix.

His initial assignment was as a Deck Watch Officer aboard USCGC ACUSHNET (WMEC 167) homeported in Gulfport, Mississippi. Subsequent afloat assignments include Executive Officer of USCGC CHINCOTEAGUE (WPB 1320) in Mobile, AL, Commanding Officer of USCGC LONG ISLAND (WPB 1342) in Monterey, CA, Executive Officer of USCGC SENECA (WMEC 906) and Commanding Officer of USCGC SPENCER (WMEC 905) both homeported in Boston, MA.

Shore assignments include tours at the Pacific Area Operations Center and Pacific Area Cutter Management and Operations Staffs in Alameda CA, and as Chief of Operational Planning and Readiness on the First Coast Guard District staff in Boston, MA. Most recently Captain Tarantino attended Harvard University for a National Security Fellowship at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Captain Tarantino's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Coast Guard Commendation Medal (four awards), Coast Guard Achievement Medal (three wards), and various service and unit awards.