Record Number of AUP Alumni Graduate as Direct Commission Officers

Auxiliarist Russ Gasdia (front row L-R) poses with newly minted Ensigns Caleb Hancock, Tess Adams, Audrey Barbaza, Haley Kent, Jonathan Frank, (back row L-R) Collin O'Haro, Mark Wright, Mitchell Campbell, and Jacob Bolles at Direct Commission Officer course 1-25 graduation. (Mrs. Jill Campbell)

NEW LONDON, Conn. — A record number of Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs alumni crossed the stage they graduated from Direct Commission Officer course 1-25 on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Of the 39 total graduates, nine are alumni of the AUP from maritime academies and senior military colleges across the country. This represents almost half of the graduates without prior military service.

  • Ensign Tess Adams, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

  • Ensign Audrey Barbaza, Virginia Military Institute

  • Ensign Jacob Bolles, Massachusetts Maritime Academy

  • Ensign Mitchell Campbell, Massachusetts Maritime Academy

  • Ensign Jonathan Frank, Texas A&M Maritime Academy

  • Ensign Caleb Hancock, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

  • Ensign Collin O’Haro, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

  • Ensign Haley Kent, Maine Maritime Academy

  • Ensign Mark Wright, Virginia Military Institute

The new ensigns spent five weeks on the campus of the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., receiving a comprehensive education on Coast Guard missions and organization, leadership and ethics, and military aptitude. 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