"A-adahi Otro" – Protectors of Others

Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Niki J. Kirchner-Hope

LT Niki Kirchner-Hope assumed command of CGC Frederick Hatch in July 2024, where she leads the 25-person crew in Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fisheries regulation enforcement, Search and Rescue efforts, and building partnership with Pacific Island Countries throughout the region. 

Prior to assuming command, LT Kirchner-Hope served as the Executive Staff Assistant for the Deputy for Personnel Readiness (DCMS-DPR) at Coast Guard Headquarters. In this role, she supported DCMS-DPR in the oversight and functionality of the Coast Guard’s human resources, force readiness, and Academy activities; the execution of the vision for talent management; the recruitment, development, and retention of a diverse, proficient, and effective workforce; and the implementation of the Commandant’s Directed Actions for Accountability and Transparency. She coordinated efforts and managed information flow between DCMS-DPR and the Assistant Commandants for Military Personnel, Civilian Personnel, and Health, Safety, and Work-Life, as well as Force Readiness Command and the Coast Guard Academy. 

Prior to serving at Coast Guard Headquarters, she served as Assistant Combat Systems Officer aboard USCGC Hamilton (WMSL 753) in Charleston, SC, where she oversaw the maintenance and operation of the cutter’s electronics, information, weapons, and intelligence collection systems. She also served as Tactical Action Officer during deployment to the Mediterranean and Black Seas, responsible for Hamilton’s defense posturing and tactical navigation while operating in the vicinity of Russia and Ukraine. From 2018 to 2020, she was the Operations Officer onboard USCGC Margaret Norvell (WPC 1105) in Miami, FL, responsible for safe navigation and mission planning and execution.

LT Kirchner-Hope graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 2018 having earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Operations Research & Computer Analysis. Her personal awards include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and two Commandant’s Letters of Commendation.
 

Bio (Printable) | Official Photo

Executive Officer

Lieutenant Junior Grade Travis K. Foster

LTJG Travis Foster assumed the role of Executive Officer on board CGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) in July 2024. In this position, he oversees all personnel, administration, and day-to-day operations of the newest Fast Response Cutter in the world’s most challenging and geo-politically complex area of responsibility. Prior to reporting to Frederick Hatch, LTJG Foster was a Deck Watch Officer on board CGC Munro (WMSL 755), responsible for maintaining the cutter’s training program and providing timely and responsive intelligence information as Training Officer and Intelligence Officer during multiple patrols, including a deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean in support of the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet. 

LTJG Foster graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs. His personal awards include a Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Commandants Letter of Commendation, and multiple Meritorious Team Commendations.