WASHINGTON, DC —President Bush today announced his intent to nominate Vice Admiral Thad Allen to be Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Vice Admiral Allen currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Coast Guard and recently returned to Washington after overseeing Hurricane Katrina response and recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast . Senator Susan Collins, who Chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and is leading the committee’s Hurricane Katrina investigation, released this statement:
“Vice Admiral Allen is a well-respected and dynamic leader. Throughout his career, he has earned the trust of everyone who has worked with him. He has also demonstrated exceptional leadership ability in his assignment in the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
“I applaud the President for this selection and look forward to working with Vice Admiral Allen in his new position once he is confirmed.”