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COASTIE CORNER

Coast Guard Commander Captain Zeita

Merchant Making History In New York Harbor

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Capt. Zeita Merchant, com- She’s also graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School
mander of The Port of New York, will make history in of Government’s Executive Education Leadership in
April when she attains the rank of rear admiral, becoming Homeland Security Course, and is a Massachusetts
the highest-ranking African American woman in the U.S. Institute of Technology (MIT) Seminar XXI National
Coast Guard’s (USGC) 233-year history. Security and Foreign Affairs Fellow.

After a lengthy confirmation process, Merchant was During her career, she’s commanded maritime operations
approved in December 2023 by Congress and will assume at Marine Safety Unit Chicago, served as executive officer
the rank during the Coast Guard’s Change of Command of Marine Safety Unit Texas City, chief of port operations
exercises in April. At that time, she will assume a new at Sector Miami and as a marine inspector and port oper-
position in USCG Headquarters in Washington, D.C. ations officer at the Marine Safety Office in New Orleans.

A graduate of Tougaloo College, Merchant holds a mas- She’s also received personal military honors, including three
ter’s degree in public administration from The George Meritorious Service Medals, six Coast Guard Commendation
Washington University and both a master’s degree and a Medals, three Coast Guard Achievement Medals, three
doctorate from the former National Graduate School at Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals and four
New England Institute of Business. Commandant’s Letters of Commendation, among others.
NERA congratulates Capt. Zeita Merchant on this honor!

Capt. Zeita Merchant, commander of The Port of New York, will make history in April when she attains the
rank of Rear Admiral, becoming the highest-ranking African American woman in the U.S. Coast Guard’s
(USGC) 233-year history. Here's she speaks with Princess Anne during a royal recent visit to Staten Island.
(Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) Staten island Advance

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 11