President Obama announced April 28 he will nominate Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard to be the next administrator of the Transportation Security Administration.
Obama said Neffenger is a recognized leader who has had to face many of the nation's important challenges during his years of service.
"The talent and expertise Vice Admiral Neffenger brings to his new role after more than three decades at the U.S. Coast Guard will be valuable to this Administration's efforts to strengthen transportation security," Obama said in a statement.
Neffenger has served as the vice commandant of the Coast Guard since May of 2014. He joined the Coast Guard in 1981 and has served as the deputy commandant for operations, the director of strategic management and doctrine, the deputy national incident command for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and in other capacities.
Neffenger must still be vetted and then voted on by the Senate in order to be confirmed in the position.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement that the role of TSA administrator is vital to public safety and homeland security and an important part of American counter-terrorism efforts.
Johnson said Neffenger's skills leading the response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and as "one of the brightest and most capable flag officers" in the military will serve him well as the TSA administrator.
"I have no doubt that his skills, intellect and energy that have up to now been devoted to maritime security will be easily translatable to aviation security," Johnson said.
