Coast Guard Sector San Juan received a new commander for Coast Guard forces in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday following a change of command ceremony at the Coast Guard base in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Rear Adm. Jake H. Korn, commander of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Robert W. Warren assumed command of Sector San Juan. Meanwhile, Capt. Drew W. Pearson, Sector San Juan’s outgoing commander, retired from the Coast Guard after completing 30 years of service to the nation.
Prior to assuming command of Sector San Juan, Warren completed a tour at the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate in the Pentagon, where he supported and represented the chairman on Maritime Homeland Defense strategy and policy issues.
"I am truly honored to have been selected to lead and serve alongside U.S. Coast Guard forces in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands," Warren said. "I look forward to working with the men and women of Sector San Juan and with our partners from local and federal law enforcement, emergency response agencies and maritime industry to further strengthen maritime safety and security in the region."
Warren added that he is "excited to be back in the Caribbean with my family, where we look forward to sharing once more in the rich culture of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands."
Pearson is moving to North Carolina, where he will assume responsibilities as the new director for Emergency Management for Dare County.
"I can’t think of a better and more beautiful place to culminate a wonderful 30-year career,” Pearson said. “Alongside our active duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary workforce it has been a true honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; protecting them from the sea, from threats delivered by the sea, while also protecting the sea itself. Much work remains to be done, however, and there is no one better than the Coast Guard and our partners to answer the call. God speed!"
Pearson was awarded the Legion of Merit for his performance upon completing his three-year tour as commander of Sector San Juan. The award recognized Coast Guard Sector San Juan’s law enforcement efforts with other Department of Homeland Security agencies in Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Police under Operation Caribbean Guard.
According to the Coast Guard, Operation Caribbean Guard countered the extensive increase in drug ventures into Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the interdiction and seizure of approximately 25,714 kilograms of drug contraband, 972 weapons and $15.2 million dollars.
During Pearson’s command, Coast Guard Sector San Juan interacted with governments of 18 island nations. During that time the Coast Guardsmen performed 200 search and rescue cases, saving 170 lives, assisting 3,600 mariners and salvaging $41 million dollars in property.
