Capt. Jeremy Smith has logged a lot of miles since he took command of Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in June.
He has spent much of his first two months on the job traveling to bases in Portland, Kennewick, Lewiston, Grays Harbor, Tillamook and Cape Disappointment in a dash to learn as much as possible about the region.
In his 24 years in the Coast Guard, Smith’s experience includes policy development in Washington, D.C., and leading response and air operations in San Diego. Most recently, he was the executive officer of the Coast Guard’s Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama. He also holds a master of science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The new commander sat down for a conversation with The Daily Astorian, where he discussed, among other things, what he’s learned so far and his top priorities during his three-year tour. He also hinted that the 2021 arrival of two 154-foot Sentinel-class cutters in Astoria — announced last year — may not be a done deal.
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