The US Coast Guard’s newly renamed Arctic District held a change-of-command ceremony Friday in Juneau, marking a significant leadership transition as Rear Adm. Bob Little assumed command from Rear Adm. Megan Dean. Dean had been in the role since June 9, 2023, and before that was the Coast Guard Director of Governmental and Public Affairs, responsible for external engagement with Congress, the media, and other inter-governmental entities. She is returning to DC to her new assignment as the Assistant Commandant for Operations Integration and Response Policy.
Rear Adm. Little most recently served as director of the Joint Interagency Task Force West, where he focused on countering transnational criminal organizations and narcotics trafficking. In his new role, Little will oversee Coast Guard operations across Alaska, the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean. His responsibilities encompass a broad array of missions including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and national defense.
The Arctic District is composed of more than 2,500 active duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary personnel. From its headquarters in Juneau, the District coordinates with national and international partners to support a full range of Coast Guard missions across one of the most challenging and strategically vital regions of the world.