COMMAND

SECTOR COMMANDER

Captain Heather R. Mattern

Captain Mattern assumed the duties of Commander, Sector Ohio Valley on July 1, 2022. In this position she oversees operations for an area of responsibility that includes all or part of 10 states ranging from the eastern portion of Missouri to the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, and from northern Alabama to Ohio. As the operational commander she leads over 400 Active Duty, Reserve, and Civilian members at the Sector, three Marine Safety Units, two Marine Safety Detachments, six River Tenders, and three Stations. These personnel provide marine safety, waterway management, maritime security, search and rescue, and environmental protection for over 3000 miles of navigable waterways on 12 major rivers that move 350 million tons of cargo annually.  

Captain Mattern is from Dillsburg, PA and graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1998. Her first assignment was as an Engineering Officer onboard the multi-mission, 378’ USCGC SHERMAN. Her nearly three year assignment concluded with a six-month patrol during which the ship circumnavigated the world.

Captain Mattern was then assigned to Marine Safety Office Philadelphia in July 2001, as a Marine Inspector. There she was in charge of plans review and new construction oversight for U.S. flag vessels. In the summer of 2005, she was stationed at Activities Europe in Rotterdam, Netherlands as a Senior Marine Inspector. She completed inspections and investigations throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East assuring the safety of vessels operating internationally and in U.S. waters. She assumed the responsibilities of the Chief of the Inspections Division in Sector New York in July 2013 where she supervised over 40 marine inspectors and was in charge of regulating a commercial fleet responsible for carrying 60 million passengers and $210 billion in port cargo annually. In June 2017, she took Command of Marine Safety Unit Morgan City, where she oversaw vessel new construction and inspections, the law enforcement and pollution response for 75,000 square mile area of responsibility, and the safe transit of mariners that transported over $125 billion in cargo and conducted 65,000 transits annually through the nation’s third busiest Vessel Traffic Service. She was most recently the Deputy Commander, Sector Charleston where she led over 700 Active Duty, Reserve, and Civilian members conducting Coast Guard operations and safeguarding the maritime transportation system across South Carolina and Georgia

Captain Mattern attended Naval Postgraduate School from 2009 to 2011, where she received her Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Her thesis work, focused on welding and corrosion in the marine environment, earned her the Surface Navy Association’s Award for Excellence in Warfare Research and the Naval Sea Systems and Naval Mechanical Engineering Award. After graduation she worked in the Office of Design and Engineering Standards at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C., where she worked on novel designs for commercial vessels and various regulation projects. Her work included notable contributions to the current Offshore Supply Vessel regulations and early Arctic environment design standards.

DEPUTY SECTOR COMMANDER

Commander Jason S. Franz

As Deputy Sector Commander, Commander Franz oversees Coast Guard missions across 3,000 river miles and 10 inland states, which facilitates over 350 million tons of cargo annually. He also currently serves as a member of the Commandant’s Marine Board of Investigation for the Conception vessel fire, sinking and loss of life. Previously, Commander Franz served as Sector Mobile’s Chief of Prevention from 2018-2021 where he was responsible for over 180 marine specialist who manage Inspections, Investigations and Waterways for five deep water ports covering 400 gulf coast and 800 river miles. Commander Franz was instrumental in the implementation of regulations for towing vessels, Sub Chapter M. Additionally, he has filled the Incident Commander position for three tropical events to include Hurricane Michael, the most powerful CAT 5 hurricane to impact the Florida panhandle.

Previous assignments include Chief of Investigations Division at CGHQ where he spearheaded regulatory and policy changes; updating the requirements for reportable marine casualty, including the monetary thresholds. As Prevention Chief at Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Paducah, KY, he supervised the allision between the Delta Mariner cargo ship, carrying booster rockets, with the Eggners Ferry Bridge. CDR Franz partnered with the Army Corp of Engineers for the MS river subsurface rock removal, providing safe navigation of over 9 billion dollars in cargo to world markets. His Prevention career began at MSU Morgan City, where he led the initial investigation into the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig tragedy and participated in the marine board of investigations. Prior to being a Prevention officer, CDR Franz served as a Contingency Planner at Sector St. Petersburg, FL where he revamped the area contingency plan and qualified as Command Duty Officer (Response). While assigned to CGHQ MPP-3, Port Security Directorate, he executed congressionally mandated port infrastructure assessments ensuring the safe throughput of maritime commerce. After earning his commission in the CG Reserves, he volunteered to spearhead the newly formed Sea Marshal Division in Los Angeles, CA. Prior to commissioning, he served as a Boatswains Mate in Port Security Unit (PSU) 311 Los Angeles, CA, deploying to the Persian Gulf in the wake of the 9-11 attacks. CDR Franz’s diverse background has allowed him to earn the PSU, Boat Crew Forces, and Marine Safety insignias.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Science in Quality Systems Management from National Graduate School. He has multiple personal awards, plus holds a USCG Masters License, an Emergency Medical Technician Certification, is a PADI Divemaster and is an Eagle Scout. He resides in Louisville, KY with his wife Janelle and children, Jacquelyn and Joseph.

COMMAND SENIOR CHIEF

Senior Chief Aaron J. Juetten

Senior Chief Juetten assumed the duties of Command Senior Chief of Sector Ohio Valley on 28 June, 2023 where he advises the Sector Commander on all personnel matters.

SCPO Juetten is a native of Cookeville, TN. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in July of 2008. Senior Chief Juetten’s previous assignments include Deployable Team Leader, Tactical Law Enforcement Team South; Enforcement Division Lead Petty Officer, Sector Lake Michigan; Enlisted Aide, Deputy Commandant for Mission support; Operations, Maritime Force Protection Unit Kings Bay; USCGC Boutwell.

SCPO Juetten’s personal awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, the Tactical Law Enforcement Insignia and numerous other personal and service awards.

SCPO Juetten is a proud graduate of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Academy Class 254 and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 73. He holds an Undergraduate Certificate in Leadership and Workforce Development from the United States Army Command and General Staff College and is pursuing Bachelors in Management from American Military University.

He has been married to Whitney, the love of his life, since 2010. They are proud parents of four amazing children daughter Zofia, sons Isaiah, Jeremiah and Titus.