RADM Frank Schaefer assumed the duties of Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities (DCO-D) at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in July 2025. He is responsible for establishing and providing operational strategy, policy, capability, and resources to meet national priorities for U.S. Coast Guard missions and programs in support of the Deputy Commandant for Operations.
Prior to his current assignment, RADM Schaefer served as the Coast Guard’s representative to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Presidential Transition Office (PTO), which was statutorily charged with coordinating Departmental activities in preparation for a presidential transition following an election. Accordingly, RADM Schaefer was responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for Coast Guard transition activities to ensure continuity of operations and facilitate a seamless transition of Departmental leadership. Notably, RADM Schaefer served as the Coast Guard’s Senior Service Representative to the 60th Presidential Inauguration, participating in the time-honored Presidential Pass-in-Review ceremony alongside other general and flag officers from each branch of the armed forces.
RADM Schaefer also served as the Deputy Director and Acting Director of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Talent Management Program Integration Office from June 2023 to February 2025, where he advanced the Service’s efforts to transform the workforce and develop the next generation of Human Resources Information Technology requirements to enhance operational readiness.
From 2019 to 2021, RADM Schaefer was the Pacific Area Reserve Chief of Staff, serving 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. He led, managed, and developed Pacific Area’s Reserve Senior Leadership Team of four District Senior Reserve Officers, Area and District Command Master Chiefs, Captains serving at Combatant Commands, and Maritime Expeditionary Security Groups.
From 2014 to 2017, RADM Schaefer served as the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Reserve U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM). As Commanding Officer, he was 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, and logistics.
Prior to joining the Coast Guard, RADM 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) and USS HOLLAND (AS-32). He earned Naval Warfare Designators as a Submarine and Surface Warfare Specialist. In 1989, RADM Schaefer enlisted in the Coast Guard as an Electronics Technician First Class.
RADM Schaefer holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business. He is a graduate of two Department of the Navy Leadership Development Programs. In 2006, he completed the U.S. Navy’s Shore Station Senior Leadership Course for Prospective Commanding Officers of Shore Installations. Additionally, RADM Schaefer studied at the National Defense University, Naval War College, Army War College, and the Joint Forces Staff College.
In 2011, RADM Schaefer was awarded the Coast Guard Captain John Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award.
RADM Schaefer’s 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.