USCGC Munro (WMSL 755)

Blake L. Novak

Captain, United States Coast Guard
Commanding Officer, U. S. Coast Guard Cutter MUNRO (WMSL 755)

Captain Blake Novak assumed the duties as the District 11 Chief of Enforcement in June 2018 where he is responsible for overseeing the Coast Guard’s enforcement of U.S. Law protecting living marine resources, countering illegal migrant smuggling, and deterring the transportation of illicit contraband by transnational criminal organizations from the Oregon – California border to the Eastern Pacific. During his tenure, District 11 has seized over 175 metric tons of cocaine, accounting for over 80% of all U.S. maritime drug seizures.

Captain Novak has over ten years of sea time with six previous afloat assignments. He served as the Commanding Officer aboard CGC Point Stuart, Newport Beach, CA; Commanding Officer of CGC Wrangell, Kingdom of Bahrain; Commanding Officer of CGC Pea Island, St. Petersburg, FL; Executive Officer of CGC Venturous, St. Petersburg, FL; and Commanding Officer of CGC Decisive, Pascagoula, MS.

His prior staff assignments include Deputy, Chief of Cutter Forces, where he was responsible for the strategic homeporting and operational requirements and policy for all Coast Guard cutters; District 7 Chief of International Engagement; Pacific Area Major Cutter Scheduler; and the Coast Guard Military Aide to the Vice President of the United States where he was charged with the Vice President’s military transportation, carrying the emergency satchel “football” and execution of the 25th Amendment to ensure continuity of the Presidency.

A native of Indiana, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1995 and master’s degree in National Security Studies at the Naval War College in 2008. His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal and Coast Guard Achievement Medal.

Captain Novak is married to the former Miss Alishia McRae who hails from Oshawa, Canada. They have a four-year old daughter and two-year old son.

Brian C. Krautler

Captain, United States Coast Guard
Executive Officer , U. S. Coast Guard Cutter MUNRO (WMSL 755)

A Permanent Cutterman with over 10 years of sea service, CAPT Krautler has served in Cutters BASSWOOD, SASSAFRAS, WALNUT and BRISTOL BAY (with Aids to Navigation Barge 12001). In addition, he has served as Commanding Officer of Cutters KATMAI BAY, in Sault Sainte Marie, MI and HICKORY, in Homer, Alaska.

CAPT Krautler previously served as Executive Officer of Training Center Cape May, the Coast Guard’s sole accession point for enlisted personnel. Other shore tours included: a training tour to qualify as a Coast Guard Diver at the US Naval Dive and Salvage Training Center, Officer in Charge of MSST 91103 DET1, one of the Coast Guard’s first deployable domestic security detachments, and Assistant Professor of English and Head Coach of the Men’s Lacrosse Team at the US Coast Guard Academy.

CAPT Krautler earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, with High Honors, from the US Coast Guard Academy.  He also holds a Master of Arts Degree in Humanities (Literature) from California State University, a Master of Arts Degree in English from the University of Massachusetts and has completed the Air Command and Staff College Distance Learning Program through the US Air Force Air University. CAPT Krautler is a USCG Master Training Specialist as well as a licensed professional mariner, holding a USCG Master’s License for motor vessels up to 1600 Gross Registered Tons in both Ocean and Near Coastal routes.

CAPT Krautler’s military decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal and other personal, unit and service awards.

CAPT Krautler is married to the former Andrea Ramsay, of Plymouth, MI.  The Krautlers have two children: Kate and James.

Josh M. McBride

Senior Chief Culinary Specialist
Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U. S. Coast Guard Cutter MUNRO (WMSL 755)

Senior Chief McBride was born and raised in Savannah, GA. He began his Coast Guard career in April 2001 and went directly from Basic Training to Food Service Specialist “A” School. In September 2001, he reported to USCGC RUSH (WHEC 723) in Honolulu, HI as a SNFS. While there, he served as a duty cook, the ship’s baker, wardroom and CO’s cook, and Jack of the Dust all while patrolling the Eastern Pacific and Bearing Sea.

After advancing to Petty Officer Second Class in 2004, he transferred to USCGC YELLOWFIN (WPB 87319) in Charleston, SC as the Food Service Officer (FSO). He qualified as Officer of the Day, Anchor Watch, and Quarter Master of the Watch. He also spent three months temporarily assigned to USCGC EAGLE (WIX-327) supporting the cutter’s summer cruise and the Commandant’s Change of Command with Admiral Collins and Admiral Allen.

In 2006, he transferred to the USCGC OAK (WLB 211) in Charleston, SC where he held the position of FSO. In December 2007, he advanced to Petty Officer First Class and transferred to USCGC DALLAS (WHEC 716) in Charleston, SC. He served as the Senior FS and deployed to the Caribbean, Eastern Pacific, and with the Navy’s Sixth Fleet in Western and Central Africa.

In May 2011, he transferred to CG Station Tybee Island, GA, as the FSO with several other collateral duties including Command Drug & Alcohol Representative. He initiated a Special Needs Activity Program in which he volunteered his time on a weekly basis for four years.

In June 2015, he advanced to Chief Petty Officer and transferred to the Food Service Assistance and Training (FSAT) Team at CG Training Center Petaluma, CA. He served more than 65 units in the Eighth District and Patrol Forces South West Asia. In his role at FSAT he provided oversight, support and specialized training to hundreds of Culinary Specialists as well as and Prospective Command Cadres. His expertise included inventory management, financial accountability, and dining facility administration. He deployed to support disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, providing over 2000 meals to air crews, first responders, and support personnel carrying out rescue operations.