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O PINION C OMMENTARY
From the Superintendent Rear Admiral William G. Kelly, ’87
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ear members of our Coast Guard Academy family, As I reflect this holiday season, I am reminded that while we shared many burdens this historic year, there is much to be thankful for. This year has been filled with many challenges that we faced with professionalism and unyielding determination that has been buoyed by the continuous support of our Alumni. Your support has truly made a difference in the lives of the cadets and officer candidates who call our Academy “home.” The pandemic has impacted liberty and off-base recreation opportunities for our cadets and OCs. The Leamy Student Center, which was completed this summer thanks to the classes of ‘67 and ‘70, has been a phenomenal success! Cadets regularly visit the center to grab a unique drink and a quick bite to power them through their studies in the lounge or out on the Leamy patio which is now known as “Steel Beach.” Thanks to the Class of ’61, Steel Beach is now one of the most popular locations on campus for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Our Alumni support is also behind the new Emlen Tunnell Strength and Conditioning Center, which is coming along nicely. I know you will be impressed when
The CGA Football team gathers around the Commandant, Admiral Schultz, and CGA Superintendent, Rear Admiral Kelly, after the Secretaries’ Cup Football Game. Photo by LCDR Christine Igisomar ’08
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you see the finished product. We look forward to cutting the ribbon in early 2021 and I know it will be a “game changer” in our recruiting efforts. As we wrap up that project, our focus will fully shift to the construction of the Maritime Center of Excellence (MCOE). We look forward too many good things in 2021 and breaking ground on the MCOE will be one of them. In athletic contests, your Bears have continued to show resiliency and tenacity. Facing the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy (KP) and the U.S. Military Academy in a variety of sports, the Bears fought hard in a year rife with uncertainty. We competed against our Division One colleagues at West Point in Women’s Soccer, rifle and tennis. The Bears took on KP and defeated them in Men’s Soccer, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Crew, Sailing, Volleyball, Pistol and in Men’s Rugby. The Bears exceptional performance helped to take the lead for the Superintendent’s trophy, which is awarded to the academy with most wins in head-to-head competition. This year’s Secretaries’ Cup football game was live streamed on ESPN3, and boosted morale throughout the Corps. The Bears battled with the Mariners in a close game and we are already looking ahead to a rematch in 21. The Academy also suffered two significant losses since the last time I wrote. Within a matter of days we lost LTJG Morgan Garrett ’19 in a training accident as she pursued her dream to become a Coast Guard aviator and then days later we lost Coach Glenn Florio, Glenn was the head coach of our women’s crew team. Both were beloved members of our community and were great examples of the inspirational cadets we are surrounded by and the dedicated professionals who commit so much to the development of leaders of character across all domains at CGA. We continue to forge ahead amidst the fog of so much uncertainty. We held a virtual Parents Weekend that December 2020/January 2021
