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Multimedia Release

Date: April 14, 2010

Contact: Petty Officer 1st Class Bobby Nash

(305) 318-1864

**Photos and Video available** Inaugural ME rating class graduates

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The inaugural Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME) “A” school class graduated at the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Maritime Enforcement Specialist “A” school is a nine and one-half-week resident training course for Coast Guard personnel desiring to become a maritime enforcement specialist. It challenges students through an intense performance-based training program providing skills and knowledge in law enforcement, security, tactical combat casualty care, apprentice leadership, and weapons programs.

The official party included Vice Adm. David Pekoske, Coast Guard vice commandant, Connie Patrick, director of Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Cmdr. Paul Baker, commanding officer of MLEA, and Master Chief Petty Officer Gordon Muise, ME rating force master chief.

The rate was officially established January 1, 2010 when 1,053 active duty and 988 reserve members transitioned from existing rates and became maritime enforcement specialists. The new rating is designed to enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities as America’s maritime guardians and support the Coast Guard’s modernization goal of developing a force structure responsive to mission execution.

For video of the ceremony click here.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Vice Admiral David Pekoske, Coast Guard vice commandant, Connie Patrick, director of Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Cmdr. Paul Baker, commanding officer of the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, and Master Chief Petty Officer Gordon Muise, ME rating force master chief present diplomas and congratulate members of the inaugural Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME) “A” school graduating class Wednesday April 14, 2010. The school challenged students through an intense performance-based training program providing skills and knowledge in law enforcement, security, tactical combat casualty care, apprentice leadership, and weapons programs. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Vice Admiral David Pekoske, Coast Guard vice commandant, Connie Patrick, director of Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Cmdr. Paul Baker, commanding officer of the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, and Master Chief Petty Officer Gordon Muise, ME rating force master chief present diplomas and congratulate members of the inaugural Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME) “A” school graduating class Wednesday April 14, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The inaugural Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME) “A” school graduating class poses for a group photo following the ceremonies at the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston Wednesday April 14, 2010. Maritime Enforcement Specialist “A” school is a nine and one-half-week resident training course for Coast Guard personnel desiring to become a maritime enforcement specialist. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The inaugural Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME) “A” school graduating class poses for a group photo following the ceremonies at the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston Wednesday April 14, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme.

For additional photos of the ceremony click here and here.

 

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