J. William Kime - Commandant

Commandant

As Commandant, he was passionate about maritime safety and environmental protection issues, and oversaw implementation of the landmark Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and established the position of Drug Interdiction Coordinator. In the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, he pioneered how the Coast Guard prevents and responds to oil and hazardous chemical spills, significantly minimizing environmental damage. The groundwork he laid can also be seen in how the Coast Guard responds to a broad range of threats and hazards to maritime, homeland, and national security interests. His vision set the stage for the Coast Guard’s transition to focused organizational competencies in prevention and response. He led the service during the end of the Cold War, collapse of communism, operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as increasing operations in traditional mission areas.