USCGC ALERT
(WMEC 630)

CDR Mario Gil

CDR Gil assumed command of USCGC ALERT (WMEC 630) in June 2025. CDR Gil previously served as Deputy Commodore, USCG Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA) in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. The U.S. Coast Guard's largest overseas expeditionary unit compromised of six Fast Response Cutters, a shore-side support element, and a Maritime Engagement Team. 

CDR Gil's previous afloat assignments include Commanding Officer aboard both USCGC JOSEPH TEZANOS (WPC 1118), and USCGC CUSHING (WPB 1321). He served as Executive Officer aboard USCGC RESOLUTE (WMEC 620), Operations Officer aboard USCGC DECISIVE (WMEC 629), and First Lieutenant and Supply Officer aboard USCGC RESOLUTE (WMEC 620). His enlisted afloat assignments include USCGC TAHOMA (WMEC 908), and USCGC VENTUROUS (WMEC 625). 

CDR Gil's ashore assignments include Coast Guard Liaison Officer and Senior Military Representative in the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba. Patrol Boat Manager, Living Marine Resource Officer, and Enforcement Duty Officer at the Seventh Coast Guard District (D7) Office of Response Enforcement. CDR Gil was also assigned as the Search and Rescue Duty Officer, and National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) Liaison Officer at the D7 Command Center as well as a Contracting Officer at Integrated Support Command Miami.

CDR Gil holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a Master's of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 200 Gross-Ton Captain's License.

CDR Gil's military awards include two Meritorious Service Medal, six Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, five Coast Guard Achievement Medals, two Commandant's Letter of Commendation ribbons, and various other personal and unit awards.

LCDR Mark Tatara

Lieutenant Commander Tatara assumed the duties as Executive Officer of USCGC ALERT (WMEC 630) in July 2025. Prior to this assignment, he served at Training Center Petaluma where oversaw the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of performance improvement products and training curriculum for eight “A” schools and 33 “C” school.
He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Upon commissioning, he reported to USCGC CONFIDENCE, homeported in Cape Canaveral, FL as a Deck Watch Officer. From 2013-2015, he served as Commanding Officer of USCGC DORADO, homeported in Crescent City, CA.

While ashore, from 2015-2017, Lieutenant Commander Tatara served as Military Aide to the Coast Guard Eleventh District Commander in Alameda, California. Subsequently, he returned to sea from 2017-2019 as the Operations Officer onboard USCGC VENTUROUS, homeported in St. Petersburg, FL, where he served as a first responder in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane MARIA. From 2019 to 2021 he served as Commanding Officer of USCGC CHARLES SEXTON, homeported in Key West, FL. He had the unique opportunity in the fall of 2022 to serve as Commanding Officer of USCGC WINSLOW GRIESSER, homeported in San Juan. Puerto Rico for 90 days.

In 2021 he attended graduate school at Indiana University where he was awarded a Master of Arts in Education, Instructional Systems Technology. Additionally, he earned his Certified Professional in Talent Development certificate in 2025.

Lieutenant Commander Tatara’s personal awards include Shellback, Order of the Ditch, Order of the Spanish Main, four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Humanitarian Service Medals, and two Coast Guard Achievement Medals.