COMMAND

Commanding Officer: Commander Joshua J. Weidman

Commander Weidman reported to the Office of Inspections and Compliance (CG-5PC) in 2023. As Executive Assistant for the Director, he is responsible for coordinating activities across 5 HQ offices, 4 units, 290 staff, and directly managing a $12M budget. The CG-5PC Directorate manages policy development and program oversight for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, recreational boating safety, foreign and domestic commercial vessel compliance, international and domestic ports and facilities safety and security, vessel documentation, and marine casualty investigations Additionally, he is a principal liaison to CG senior executives, ensuring unity of effort in oversight and policy for Flag Officer Directorates, congressional affairs, program reviewer and budget development.  

Commander Weidman previously served as the Executive Officer at Marine Safety Unit Huntington, where he led a unit of 40 members in addition to managing unit finances, administrative duties, and ensured the safety of people and security of property. His previous assignments include: Casualty Policy and Case Reviewer for the Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis (CG-INV); Investigation Industry Training with Otto Candies, LLC; Chief, Inspection Division of Marine Safety Unit Houma; Marine Casualty Investigating Officer at Sector Northern New England; and Marine Inspector at Marine Safety Unit Morgan City. 

Commander Weidman holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management and Policy from American Military University. He graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. He earned his commission as an Ensign in 2008 through the Direct Commissioned Officer program. 

Commander Weidman's personal awards include Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, along with various unit and team awards. He is also an Eagle Scout and holds an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Certification for Pennsylvania.  

Commander Weidman is a native of Schaefferstown, PA. He is married to Ashley. They are blessed with three sons: Tucker, Austin, and Hudson. His hobbies include being in the great outdoors and spending time with family and friends. 

Executive Officer: Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Meacham

Lieutenant Commander Matt Meacham graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  His first assignment was as a Student Engineer aboard the USCGC HAMILTON (WHEC 715) homeported in San Diego, CA where he served as the Electrical Division Officer and Damage Control Assistant. 

In 2011, he reported to Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, located in Port Arthur, TX as a Marine Inspector, Port State Control Officer and Command Duty Officer.  Upon tour completion in 2014, he then reported to USCG Activities Europe, located in Schinnen, Netherlands where he was a Journeyman Maine Inspector and Chief of Domestic Inspections, carrying out and overseeing USCG inspections on commercial vessels in the USCG’s largest area of responsibility which included Europe, Africa and the Middle East. 

In 2019, LCDR Meacham graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering.  Upon graduation, he reported to USCG Head Quarters to the Office of Engineering and Design Standards as a staff engineer where he developed international and domestic commercial shipping standards, regulations and policy.

In 2021, LCDR Meacham reported to the Office of Operations and Environmental Standards located at USCG Head Quarters as the Chief for the Vessel and Facility Operating Standards division.  He was responsible for overseeing the development and promulgation of regulatory changes and strategic level guidance to field units and industry partners pertaining to commercial vessel and facility operations in the Maritime Transportation System and Outer Continental Shelf activities.  LCDR Meacham also oversaw all USCG efforts in processing applications for deepwater ports including conducting the independent risk assessments and developing the US government’s Environmental Impact Statement for each proposed project. In June2023, LCDR Meacham reported to Marine Safety Unit Morgan City as the Executive Officer.

LCDR Meacham is a native of Soldotna, Alaska and currently resides in Prairieville, Louisiana with his wife Yarixa and two children, Ann Marie and Aaden.