On January 1st, Marine Affairs graduate student Lennie Day (M.M.A. Class of 2021) was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in the United States Coast Guard. Lennie joined the Coast Guard in 2005 and has served in many roles and locations in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean. Just before coming to URI, he served as the Commanding Officer of the USCG Cutter Benjamin Bottoms, a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter engaged in maritime border security missions, international counter-drug operations, and search and rescue off the coast of California and in the Eastern Pacific. Prior to this command afloat, Lennie served as the Military Aide to Deputy Commandant for Operations at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C, a role that provides valuable insight into homeland security strategy and policy. During his time in the Coast Guard, Lieutenant Commander Day has been awarded two Commendation Medals and two Achievement Medals.

The Marine Affairs department typically welcomes 2-3 Coast Guard officers into its graduate programs per year. At URI, Lieutenant Commander Day brings his extensive experience in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and at-sea interdiction into the graduate classroom, where he is delving deeper into related topics like Arctic governance and coastal zone management. His promotion to Lieutenant Commander is a significant milestone in the military, and upon graduating with his Master’s degree, Lennie’s mission will include both maritime law and law enforcement. Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant Commander Day! We look forward to watching you become a leading voice in protecting the nation’s living marine resources through policy and enforcement.