USCGC ALDER (WLB 216)

"Ruler of the Sea"

Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Drew M. Stafford

Lieutenant Commander Drew Stafford assumed command of CGC ALDER in June 2024. Prior to this, he was most recently the Executive Officer on board CGC JUNIPER (WLB-201) in Honolulu, HI. There he was responsible for aids to navigation, international fisheries enforcement, foreign service partnerships, and humanitarian aid throughout the South Pacific. During this tour he supported bilateral agreements throughout Oceania and responded to humanitarian emergencies in Kiritimati Island and wildfires on Maui.  

Following his graduation from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2014, LCDR Stafford reported to CGC CUSHING (WPB 1321) in San Juan, PR. After shifting the cutter’s homeport, LCDR Stafford as the Operations Officer, commissioned the CGC RICHARD DIXON (WPC 1113). While stationed in San Juan LCDR Stafford assisted in the interception of over 200 illegal migrants and $120 million worth of narcotics.

LCDR Stafford assumed Command of CGC SWORDFISH (WPB 87358) in 2016 homeported in Port Angeles, WA. This tour took LCDR Stafford from Oregon to Alaska, supporting cutter shortages, SAR, fisheries enforcement, and interagency operations.

Prior to being stationed in Hawaii, LCDR Stafford lived in Juneau, AK and served as the patrol boat manager in the domestic fisheries division, and a Law Enforcement Duty Officer at D17 (dre).  

His personal awards include three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and various other service and unit awards.  

Drew Stafford was born and raised in Buffalo, Wyoming and graduated the Coast Guard Academy in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He and his wife Bethany are avid outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy backpacking and rock climbing.  

Bio (pdf) | Photo