CDR Andrew Cooke has served 21 years in USCGR Prevention assignments earning him the Marine Safety Insignia, Federal on Scene Coordinator, Pollution Responder, Facility Inspector, Container Inspector qualifications and a Top Secret clearance.
His inactive duty assignments include: (1) N5 Future Plans Department head and Acting Senior Reserve Officer for Navy Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron EIGHT. (2) Deputy Response Department Head for CG Sector Delaware Bay (10/18 to 10/21); (3) Response Department Head for CG Sector Maryland National Capital Region (10/13 to 9/18) served as Operations Section Chief during 2016 Presidential Inauguration; (4) Section Team Leader for CG Sector New York (1/09 - 06/12) overseeing Facility and Container inspection activities; (5) Station Manager at CG Sector New York supervising the training and readiness of 110 boat force reservists at three Boat stations (07/07 – 1/09).
His active duty assignments include: (1) Title 10 service (06/21-09/21) as Chief Waterways Management to CG Sector Delaware Bay. He led the Division through high profile meetings aimed at the development and impact mitigation of wind farm leases off the shores of New Jersey and Delaware. He additionally oversaw the promulgation of Final Rules to establish permanent Presidential protection security zones in order to balance vital national security needs with other waterway users and the public. (2) Title 10 service (02/21-06/21) as Chief Emergency Management Force readiness to CG Sector Delaware Bay. He was responsible for Management of Multiyear Exercise planning and engagement with Port partners. The coordination and oversight of Area Maritime Security Committee, five sub committees, the Area Maritime Committee and two Regional Response Committees. In addition, he provided direct administrative support to 212 reservists assigned to the Unit. (3) Title 10 service (08/19-10/19) as Task Force Leader in support of Southwest Border Operation. CDR Cooke led 56 member team assigned to three Stations in the El Paso sector. He provided humanitarian support to over 5,000 migrants and logistical support US Customs and Border Protection Agents during multi-agency effort. (4) Title 10 service (06/12-09/13) DoD support coordinator to CG Container Inspection Training Assist Team. He liaised with Surface Deployment and Distribution Command to provide support to 14 Brigade level hazmat support mission incurring 576 man-days deployed by 10 member team. (5) Title 14 service (05/10-07/10) Shore-Side Clean up Assessment Technique Leader to Operation Deepwater Horizon. CDR Cooke managed a multi-agency team in evaluation of 180 miles of shoreline in nine Florida counties, providing critical information for development of state-wide recovery plan. (6) Active Duty (11/88-10/92) Airborne Infantryman, 2/235th AIR 82nd Airborne, Ft. Bragg, NC. Deployed 7+ months for Operation Desert Shield – Desert Storm. As a Scout Reconnaissance Senior Scout, he provided recon missions forward friendly lines (FFL) and Screen missions during movement to contact in western Iraq.
CDR Cooke is a retired New Jersey Police Officer and currently serves as a Compliance Investigator with US DOT. He earned his M.A. at Gonzaga University, B.A. at Rutgers University and an A.S. at Rowan College at Burlington County. His military education includes the Reserve Component National Security Course; Operations Section Chief Course, Pollution Incident Response Course, Instructor Development Course, Container Inspection Course, Facility Inspection Course, Explosive Handling Course, Reserve Officer Candidate Indoctrination, U.S Army Jungle Warfare Course, U.S. Army Basic Parachute Course, and U.S. Army Infantry Course.
Individual Awards earned in the USCG: CG Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, CG Achievement Medals with “O” Device with Gold star in lieu of a third, Army Achievement Medal, CG Commandant’s Letter of Commendation with “O” Devise and Gold star in lieu of a third, CG Reserve Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, CG Rifle Expert, CG Pistol, CG Marine Safety Insignia, Army Rifle Expert, Army Basic Parachutist Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Personal Life: He resides in New Jersey with his wife Susan and six children. He enjoys riding his motorcycle, wrenching on his classic car and golfing when time allows.