USCGC Alex Haley

"The Bulldog of the Bering"


 

Mailing Address

Commanding Officer
USCGC ALEX HALEY (WMEC 39)
P.O. BOX 190657
Kodiak, AK 99619

Telephone Number

 Phone: (907) 487-5616

COMMANDING OFFICER

Commander Brian R. Whisler

 

CDR Brian Whisler assumed command of CGC ALEX HALEY on 19 MAY 2021 after serving as the Coast Guard Fellow to the RAND Corporation from July 2020 to April 2021. In that role, he partnered with RAND research staff to study and understand current organizational policies and practices and harnessed that understanding to promote awareness of RAND’s research across the Homeland Security Enterprise. Prior to RAND, he served as Executive Officer of CGC DOUGLAS MUNRO (WHEC-724), a 378’ High Endurance Cutter homeported in Kodiak, Alaska, from May 2018 to July 2020. As Executive Officer, he managed the daily administrative and operational requirements of the 170-member crew while executing the Coast Guard’s missions in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Arctic.

During previous afloat assignments, CDR Whisler served as Operations Officer of CGC VENTUROUS in St. Petersburg, FL, Commanding Officer of CGC BLACKFIN in Santa Barbara, CA, Executive Officer of CGC MAUI forward deployed to the Arabian Gulf, and Deck Watch Officer and First Lieutenant onboard CGC RESOLUTE, homeported in St. Petersburg, FL.

CDR Whisler’s assignments ashore include Chief, Officer Boards and Panels, CG Personnel Service Center (opm-1), where he coordinated and executed all Coast Guard officer selection boards, special boards, and advanced education selection panels. He also served as Central Assignment Coordinator at Personnel Service Center (epm-2) and Congressional Fellow and Liaison to the DHS/FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, both in Arlington, VA.

CDR Whisler holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master Mariner’s license (100 ton), a Masters of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University, and a Joint Professional Military Education (JMPE-I) diploma from the U.S. Naval War College in 2018. A native of Littlerock, California, CDR Whisler graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

CDR Whisler’s personal awards include two Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals, five Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Cutterman’s Insignia, and various other personal and unit awards.

Download Bio | Photo

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Lieutenant Commander Kenneth R. Sauerbrunn

 

CGC ALEX HALEY's Executive Officer Photo

LCDR Ken Sauerbrunn reported aboard USCGC ALEX HALEY in July 2021, where he currently serves as the Executive Officer. Prior to reporting, he served as Comptroller of Training Center Cape May. In that role he managed and oversaw the $36 million operational and facilities maintenance budgets for Training Center Cape May, Air Station Atlantic City, and Sector Delaware Bay.  He also chaired the Training Center’s Leadership and Diversity Advisory Council. As a Coast Guard financial management specialist, he also served as Comptroller of Sector New York from 2010 to 2013, implementing all federal budgetary, financial, and supply policies at 15 Coast Guard units located throughout the Port of New York/New Jersey.

LCDR Sauerbrunn previously served two tours aboard USCGC STURGEON BAY in Bayonne, NJ as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer. There, he conducted icebreaking operations in the Hudson River during the winter months, ensuring the safe passage of fuels and home heating oil to ports between New York City and Albany. He also conducted Law Enforcement and Port Security patrols in New York Harbor and the surrounding waterways.

LCDR Sauerbrunn’s first afloat assignment was aboard USCGC DILIGENCE in Wilmington, NC. Serving as Damage Control Assistant and Assistant Engineer Officer, he conducted Alien Migrant Interdiction and Counter Drug patrols in the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

LCDR Sauerbrunn graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He also holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Washington, and a Joint Professional Military Education (JPME-1) diploma from the U.S. Naval War College.

LCDR Sauerbrunn's professional awards and achievements include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Cutterman’s Insignia, numerous unit and team awards, and the Certified Government Financial Manager designation. He is originally from North Haven, Connecticut.

Download Bio | Photo