03.03.14

Murkowski: New USCG Alaska District Commander Signals Alaskan, Arctic Importance

Rear Admiral Daniel B. Abel to be 17th District Commander, In Charge of Alaska Operations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski responded to the United States Coast Guard today naming Rear Admiral Daniel B. Abel to be the Commander of the 17th District, which oversees all of Alaska’s waters:

“Once again the Coast Guard challenges in Alaska have attracted one of the service's best and brightest.  I look forward to working with Rear Admiral Abel as we increase our focus on Arctic strategic priorities.

“Of course, this announcement also means a new opportunity for his predecessor Thomas P. Ostebo – who has been a fantastic friend to me, and a champion of Alaska’s Coast Guard.  I want to take this chance to thank Tom for the incredible dedication he showed in serving our state.  Wherever he ends up, I want him to know that a grateful Alaska stands behind him.”

For more information on the nominee, click here for a bio: http://www.uscg.mil/flag/biography/DanielAbel.pdf

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