RDML Barata assumed the duties as Commander, Personnel Service Center, in Washington, DC, on May 5th, 2022. In this capacity, he is responsible for executing the Coast Guard’s human resource policies by recruiting, accessing, assigning, developing careers, maintaining well-being, compensating, separating and retiring the nearly 45,000 members of the active duty and reserve workforces.
Prior to his current assignment, RDML Barata served as Chief, Office of Budget and Programs; this included serving as the Coast Guard’s Budget Director, where he was responsible for development and advocacy of the Service’s $13B annual budget, including Program Review, Budget Formulation, and External Coordination.
RDML Barata’s previous staff assignments include Director of Inspections and Compliance (CG-5PC), Deputy Director, Marine Transportation Systems (CG-5PW), AC&I Budget Coordinator and Program Reviewer in the Office of Budget and Programs (CG-821), and Senior Marine Safety/Prevention Assignments Officer at CG Personnel Command (CGPC OPM-2).
RDML Barata’s field assignments include Commanding Officer of Activities Europe, as well as tours at Sector Jacksonville, Marine Safety Office Providence and Marine Safety Office Miami where he served for over 13 years in various capacities conducting marine safety, OCMI/COTP, prevention and incident response/emergency management missions. RDML Barata also served as the plankowner Executive Officer of Maritime Safety and Security Team Boston (MSST 91110) and as Deck Watch Officer aboard USCGC SENECA (WMEC 906).
RDML Barata is a 1993 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Management. RDML Barata earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, RI, in 2014 and served as Senior Military Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) in Washington, DC, from 2014-2015.
RDML Barata’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit (3), the Meritorious Service Medal (4), the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (2), the 9/11 Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal. He was selected as the Navy League Southeastern MA/RI Junior Officer of the Year in 2001.
RDML Barata is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife, Barbara have three children, James, Caroline and Annie.