Commanding Officer
Commander Krystyn Pecora
CDR Krystyn Pecora, a native of Aurora, IL, has more than 20 years of experience in a broad array of operational and staff assignments. She is reporting from U.S. Coast Guard Academy where she served as the External Affairs Officer and was responsible for the international, congressional and media interactions for the service’s military academy.
A permanent cutterman, she has previously served as Executive Officer of the USCGC SENECA (WMEC-906), commanded the USCGC SITKINAK (WPB-1329), served two tours on USCGC SHERMAN (WHEC-720), and is a plankowner of USCGC BERTHOLF (WMSL-750). Shoreside tours also include serving as the Executive Assistant to the Force Readiness Commander and the External Affairs Officer for the Fifth Coast Guard District.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a master’s degree in media and communications studies from Florida State University. CDR Pecora’s service awards include three Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals with the Operational Distinguishing Device, and other personal and unit awards. A published author, she also won the U.S. Naval Institute’s Coast Guard Essay Contest in 2018 and took third place in an U.S. Naval Institute essay contest in 2024. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.
She is married to CDR Piero Pecora of Nashville, TN. A permanent cutterman as well, his support has been critical to each other’s professional success during a combined 18 years of sea duty. They have one son, Oshie (9), who is adamant that he is part of the Coast Guard as well.