Six AUP Alumni Graduate From Direct Commission Officer Course 3-24

(L-R) Ensign Madison Hornig, Ensign Hannah Shaner, Ensign Ryan Rantayo, Auxiliarist Russ Gasdia, Ensign Jackson Kamb, Ensign Hannah White, and Ensign Shea Curran pose in celebration following Direct Commission Officer course 3-24 graduation. The six newly commissioned ensigns are alumni of the Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs. (Cmdr. Preciosa Pacia-Rantayo/NOAA Corps)

NEW LONDON, Conn. — Six graduates from Direct Commission Officer course 3-24 joined the ranks of Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs alumni who have turned their volunteer service in college into careers in the active-duty Coast Guard. The new ensigns graduated in September 2024 from the five-week course on the Coast Guard Academy’s campus in New London, Conn., before arriving at their new duty stations.

  • Ensign Shea Curran, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

  • Ensign Madison Hornig, Virginia Military Institute

  • Ensign Jackson Kamb, Virginia Military Institute

  • Ensign Ryan Rantayo, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  • Ensign Hannah Shaner, Norwich University

  • Ensign Hannah White, Virginia Military Institute

The DCO programs provide the Coast Guard with the ability to attract individuals with specialized training to meet the needs of the service. These officers serve in initial assignments that reflect their specialized education, training, and experience.

Joe Ramlet