COMMANDING OFFICER

Commander Ryan A. Kowalske

Commander Ryan A. Kowalske assumed the duties of Reserve Response Department Head at Sector Delaware Bay, Philadelphia, PA on October 1, 2024, and is the Prospective Commanding Officer of Port Security Unit 301 in Cape Cod, MA.

CDR Kowalske is a native of Romulus, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in October 2001 and was assigned to Charlie-161. Following graduation, he attended Fire Control Technician A-School and MK-92 FCS C-School in Training Center Yorktown, VA. In February 2007, he was accepted into Officer Candidate School 02-07 in New London, CT. 

His previous assignments include Executive Officer and Operations Officer at Port Security Unit 309, Intel Services Product Line (C5ISC), USCGC Legare, Ninth Coast Guard District Response Advisory Team, Atlantic Strike Team, First Coast Guard District Office of Law Enforcement, USCGC Grand Isle, USCGC Harriet Lane, and USCGC Seneca.

CDR Kowalske’s awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal (fifth award), Coast Guard Achievement Award (fourth award), and Commandant’s Letter of Commendation (second award). He has earned a Port Security Unit Insignia and is a Permanent Cutterman. In addition, he has received the 2024 CAPT John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award, AFCEA C4ISR Copernicus Award, John F. Kennedy Excellence in Government Award, and Commandant’s Innovation Award for Innovation in Science and Technology.

CDR Kowalske currently resides in Hudson, OH and is married to Susan Kowalske, and they are the proud parents of Pete (17), Chet (15), Marek (13), and Liberty (11). In addition, they have welcomed Sebella (17) and Michael “Mikey” (8) into their home.

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