Vice Admiral Tom Allan has announced his appointment as the new Deputy Commandant for Mission Support at the USCG over on LinkedIn. With over 34 years of distinguished service, Vice Admiral Allan brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Coast Guard’s multifaceted missions.
In his new role, Vice Admiral Allan will lead a 17,000-person strong organization responsible for delivering the systems, human capital, and logistical support that empower the Coast Guard to execute its missions effectively. His portfolio includes oversight of lifecycle engineering, logistics, acquisitions, information technology, and security—each playing a vital role in ensuring that the Coast Guard remains ready and capable across its diverse operations.
Vice Admiral Allan’s career within the Coast Guard is marked by significant leadership positions. Most recently, he served as the US SOUTHCOM Director of Operations (J3) and prior to that the Commander of the First Coast Guard District, where he was responsible for all Coast Guard operations across eight states in the Northeast, encompassing over 2,000 miles of coastline from the U.S.-Canadian border to northern New Jersey, and extending 1,300 miles offshore. In this role, he oversaw critical missions ranging from search and rescue to maritime security.
Before that, Vice Admiral Allan held the position of Assistant Commandant for Resources and Chief Financial Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard (CG-8), where he managed all budgetary, financial, and resource management activities related to the Coast Guard’s programs and operations. His expertise in resource management and financial oversight was instrumental in optimizing the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities.
A career operations ashore officer, Vice Admiral Allan has commanded multiple units with a focus on boat forces operations. His operational tours include service aboard the Coast Guard Cutter HAMILTON, where he operated throughout the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and various leadership roles at Coast Guard Intelligence Coordination Center, Group/Marine Safety Office Portland, Oregon, and Sector Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as the Captain of the Port, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, and Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
In addition to his operational achievements, Vice Admiral Allan has made significant contributions at the Coast Guard Headquarters level. He served as the Executive Assistant to the 25th Commandant, Chief of Congressional and Governmental Affairs, Special Assistant to the 24th Commandant, Chief of Resources and Requirements for the Deployable Operations Group, and Chief of the Office of Financial Policy and Programs Division.
Vice Admiral Allan’s dedication to service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Coast Guard Legion of Merit, the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, along with various Unit and Service awards.
A native of Bowie, Maryland, Vice Admiral Allan is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore and has completed the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI.