On April 13th, 2026, Vice Admiral Douglas Schofield assumed the duties & responsibilities of the Coast Guard Chief of Staff in Washington D.C. In this role, he is responsible for Coast Guard readiness, streamline decision-making, and Coast Guard future strategic planning. In the oversight of meeting Commandant’s vision, the Chief of Staff leads the budget, public affairs, and futures team in aligning planning, resources, and people to meet operational priorities.
For nine months prior, VADM Schofield was the Acting Deputy Commandant for Operations (DCO). In this role, he was responsible for the development of operational strategies, policy, guidance, and resources that address national priorities within US Coast Guard jurisdiction relating to intelligence, international affairs, cyber, the maritime transportation system, commercial regulations and inspections, search and rescue, maritime security, law enforcement, defense operations, environmental response, contingency planning, and the operational capabilities of cutters, small boats, aircraft, shore and deployable specialized forces.
From July 2024 to 2026, VADM Schofield served as Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami, Florida. As District Commander, he was responsible for all operations, activities, and investments encompassing 34 countries and 12 dependencies/areas of sovereignty in addition to Director of Homeland Security Task Force – Southeast. Coast Guard operations in the Southeast United States and the Caribbean Basin encompass an Area of Responsibility spanning from South Carolina to Florida, and down to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A native of Lancaster, PA & Boston, MA, he graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1991, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with high honors in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He also holds Master of Science degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received a DHS Program Manager Level III Certification in November 2009.
Vice Admiral Schofield was promoted to flag rank in 2019. As a permanent cutterman, he served aboard four cutters, including Student Engineer aboard USCGC RELIANCE (WMEC 615), Engineering Officer aboard USCGC LEGARE (WMEC 912), Executive Officer aboard USCGC ESCANABA (WMEC 907), and Commanding Officer aboard USCGC THETIS (WMEC 910).
His tours ashore include: Port Engineer and Executive Officer at Naval Engineering Support Unit Boston, MA; Offshore Patrol Cutter Program Manager’s Representative and Executive Officer of Project Resident Office Gulf Coast – Pascagoula, MS; Offshore Patrol Cutter Program Manager – Washington, DC; Commander, Surfaces Forces Logistics Center – Baltimore, MD; Assistant Program Executive Officer, Surface Programs – Washington, DC; Program Executive Officer and Director of Acquisition Programs – Washington, DC; and Assistant Commandant for Acquisition and Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO) – Washington, DC.
His personal awards include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, four Legions of Merit, three Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, and various service and unit awards.