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{{short description|US Coast Guard admiral}}
{{short description|31st Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard}}
{{use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name= Charles W. Ray
|name = Charles W. Ray
|image= Adm. Charles W. Ray.jpg
|image = Adm. Charles W. Ray.jpg
|image_size=
|image_size =
|alt=
|alt =
|caption=
|caption =
|nickname=
|nickname =
|birth_date=
|birth_date =
|birth_place=
|birth_place =
|death_date=
|death_date =
|death_place=
|death_place =
|allegiance= United States
|allegiance = United States
|branch= [[United States Coast Guard]]
|branch = [[United States Coast Guard]]
|serviceyears= 1981–present
|serviceyears = 1981–2021
|rank= [[Admiral (United States)|Admiral]]
|rank = [[Admiral (United States)|Admiral]]
|commands= Pacific Area Commander<br/>Fourteenth Coast Guard District<br/>Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
|commands = Pacific Area Commander<br/>Fourteenth Coast Guard District<br/>Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
|battles= [[Iraq War]]
|battles = [[Iraq War]]
|awards= [[Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Legion of Merit]] (5)<br/>[[Bronze Star Medal]]<br/>[[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] (2)<br/>[[Air Medal]]<br/>[[Coast Guard Commendation Medal]] (3)<br/>[[Coast Guard Achievement Medal]]
|awards = [[Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal]]<br/>[[Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal]] (2)<br/>[[Legion of Merit]] (5)<br/>[[Bronze Star Medal]]<br/>[[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] (2)<br/>[[Air Medal]]<br/>[[Coast Guard Commendation Medal]] (3)<br/>[[Coast Guard Achievement Medal]]
|relations=
|relations =
|laterwork=
|laterwork =
}}
}}
'''Charles W. Ray''' is a [[United States Coast Guard]] [[Admiral (United States)|admiral]] who serves as the [[Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard]] since May 24, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/115th-congress/1746|title=PN1746 — Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray — Coast Guard|date=16 May 2018|website=U.S. Congress|accessdate=2018-05-17}}</ref> He previously served as the Coast Guard's [[United_States_Coast_Guard_order_of_battle#Deputy_Commandant_for_Operations|Deputy Commandant for Operations]].
'''Charles W. Ray''' is a retired [[United States Coast Guard]] [[Admiral (United States)|admiral]] who served as the [[Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard|vice commandant of the Coast Guard]] from May 24, 2018 to June 18, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/115th-congress/1746 |title=PN1746 — Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray — Coast Guard |date=16 May 2018 |website=U.S. Congress |access-date=2018-05-17}}</ref> He previously served as the Coast Guard's [[United States Coast Guard order of battle#Deputy Commandant for Operations|deputy commandant for operations]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Admiral Charles W. Ray|url=https://www.uscg.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/1391221/admiral-charles-w-ray/|access-date=2021-04-19|website=www.uscg.mil|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Ray is from [[Newport, Arkansas]], and is a 1981 graduate of the [[United States Coast Guard Academy]]. After an assignment as a deck watch officer aboard [[USCGC Acushnet (WMEC-167)|Coast Guard Cutter ''Acushnet'' (WMEC-167)]], he was selected for Naval Flight Training and earned his wings in 1984.
Ray is from [[Newport, Arkansas]], and is a 1981 graduate of the [[United States Coast Guard Academy]]. After an assignment as a deck watch officer aboard [[USCGC Acushnet (WMEC-167)|USCGC ''Acushnet'' (WMEC-167)]], he was selected for Naval Flight Training and earned his wings in 1984.<ref name=":0" />


==Coast Guard career==
==Coast Guard career==
Ray has served at six [[United States Coast Guard Air Stations|Coast Guard Air Stations]] from Alaska to the Caribbean. He was designated an Aeronautical Engineer in 1988 and has served as Engineering Officer at three stations and at the Aviation Logistics Center as the Program Manager for the development of the Coast Guard's Aviation Logistics Management System. He commanded [[Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen]], Puerto Rico from 2002 through 2005. During the course of his career he accumulated over 5,000 hours of helicopter flight time.
Ray has served at six [[United States Coast Guard Air Stations|Coast Guard Air Stations]] from Alaska to the Caribbean. He was designated an Aeronautical Engineer in 1988 and has served as Engineering Officer at three stations and at the Aviation Logistics Center as the Program Manager for the development of the Coast Guard's Aviation Logistics Management System. He commanded [[Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen]], Puerto Rico from 2002 through 2005. During the course of his career he accumulated over 5,000&nbsp;hours of helicopter flight time.<ref name=":0" />


Ray's staff assignments include a tour as Chief of the Office of Performance Management at Coast Guard Headquarters followed by a tour as the Chief of Staff of the Fourteenth Coast Guard District. Ray earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Administration from [[Purdue University]] and a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the [[Industrial College of the Armed Forces]] in Washington, D.C.
Ray's staff assignments include a tour as Chief of the Office of Performance Management at Coast Guard Headquarters followed by a tour as the Chief of Staff of the Fourteenth Coast Guard District. Ray earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Administration from [[Purdue University]] and a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the [[Industrial College of the Armed Forces]] in Washington, D.C.<ref name=":0" />

On October 5, 2020, Ray tested positive for [[COVID-19]]. Other military leaders were quarantined as a result.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Starr |first1=Barbara |last2=Cohen |first2=Zachary |title=Senior Pentagon leadership quarantining after exposure to coronavirus |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/06/politics/pentagon-leadership-self-isolating-coronavirus/index.html |website=CNN |date=October 6, 2020}}</ref>

Ray held the title of Ancient Albatross from April 6, 2015 to April 22, 2021. This made him the longest serving Coast Guard Aviator and the 25th Coast Guard aviator to hold the title. He relinquished the title to Rear Admiral Melvin Bouboulis on April 22, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ancient Albatross {{!}} Coast Guard Aviation Association|url=https://aoptero.org/awards/ancient-albatross/|access-date=2021-01-11|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/2c6e2f7?reqfrom=share|title=ALCOAST 101/21 - MAR 2021 ANCIENT ALBATROSS AWARD (OFFICER AND ENLISTED)|date=2021-03-12}}</ref>


==Flag assignments==
==Flag assignments==
[[File:DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Attends Retirement Ceremony for Admiral Charles Ray.jpg|left|thumb|Ray speaks at his retirement ceremony in Washington D.C. in June 2021.]]
On May 24, 2018, Ray assumed the duties of the [[Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard]], the second-in-command of the United States Coast Guard.
On May 24, 2018, Ray assumed the duties of the [[Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard|vice commandant]], the second-in-command of the United States Coast Guard.<ref name=":0" />
⚫
Ray previously served the Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations from August&nbsp;2016 to May&nbsp;2018. In this capacity, he was responsible for the development of operational strategy, policy, guidance, and resources that address national priorities. This oversight of Coast Guard missions, programs, and services includes: intelligence; international affairs; cyber; the maritime transportation system; commercial regulations and inspections; search and rescue; maritime security; law enforcement; defense operations; environmental response; contingency planning; and the operational capabilities of cutter, boat, aviation, shore, and deployable specialized forces.<ref name=":0" />


During his tenure, he failed to act on plans to share the findings with Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, and the public an investigation into rape and sexual assault in the Coast Guard Academy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kime |first1=Patricia |title='Culture of Cover-Up:' Senators Ratchet Up Pressure on Coast Guard After It Hid Report on Rapes, Sexual Assaults |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/13/culture-of-cover-senators-ratchet-pressure-coast-guard-after-it-hid-report-rapes-sexual-assaults.html |work=Military.com |access-date=December 14, 2023|date=December 13, 2023}}</ref> After inquiries from [[CNN]], Coast Guard officials briefed members of Congress in June 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hicken |first1=Melanie |title=Former Coast Guard head covered up secret investigation into sexual assaults at the Coast Guard Academy |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/08/politics/coast-guard-sexual-assault-coverup-invs/index.html |work=CNN |access-date=August 8, 2023|date=August 8, 2023}}</ref> On August 18, 2023, Admiral Ray stepped down as Tyler Chair in Leadership at the Loy Institute at the Coast Guard Academy "for the good of the Service and the good of the Academy."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hallenbeck |first1=Brian |date=August 19, 2023 |title=Coast Guard Academy Official Resigns |url=https://www.theday.com/local-news/20230818/cga-official-resigns-for-good-of-the-service-and-the-good-of-the-academy |access-date=August 19, 2023 |work=The New London Day}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hallenbeck |first1=Brian |date=October 21, 2023 |title=Schultz's presence at Coast Guard Academy homecoming said to roil some |url=https://www.theday.com/local-news/20231021/schultzs-presence-at-coast-guard-academy-homecoming-said-to-roil-some/ |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=The New London Day}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kounelias |first1=Justin |title=Senate hearing brings Coast Guard Academy harassment cover-up to forefront |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/senate-hearing-brings-coast-guard-academy-harassment-cover-up-to-forefront/ar-AA1lpcI0 |work=WTNH Hartford |access-date=December 18, 2023|date=December 13, 2023}}</ref>
⚫
Ray previously served the Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations from August 2016 to May 2018. In this capacity, he was responsible for the development of operational strategy, policy, guidance, and resources that address national priorities. This oversight of Coast Guard missions, programs, and services includes: intelligence; international affairs; cyber; the maritime transportation system; commercial regulations and inspections; search and rescue; maritime security; law enforcement; defense operations; environmental response; contingency planning; and the operational capabilities of cutter, boat, aviation, shore, and deployable specialized forces.


Ray's previous Flag Assignment was as the [[Coast Guard Pacific Area|Pacific Area]] Commander. Prior to that he held Flag Assignments as the Deputy Pacific Area Commander, the Fourteenth Coast Guard District Commander, service with [[United States Forces – Iraq|U.S. Forces Iraq]] as Director of the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission for the Ministry of the Interior, and as the Military Advisor to the [[United States Secretary of Homeland Security|Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security]].
Ray's previous Flag Assignment was as the [[Coast Guard Pacific Area|Pacific Area]] Commander. Prior to that he held flag assignments as the Deputy Pacific Area Commander, the Fourteenth Coast Guard District Commander, service with [[United States Forces – Iraq|U.S. Forces Iraq]] as Director of the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission for the Ministry of the Interior, and as the military advisor to the [[United States Secretary of Homeland Security|Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security]].<ref name=":0" />


==Awards and decorations==
==Awards and decorations==
{| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
<center>
⚫
|colspan="3"|[[File:Naval Aviator Badge.jpg|205px]]
{|
⚫
|colspan="3" align="center"|<center>[[File:Naval Aviator Badge.jpg|205px]]</center>
|-
|-
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Coast Guard Distinguished Service ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|colspan="3"|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Homeland Security Distinguished Service Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -95px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -74px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -53px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -32px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span></center>
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|-
|-
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|ribbon=Meritorious Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|ribbon=Coast Guard Distinguished Service ribbon.svg|width=106}}
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Legion of Merit ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -95px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -74px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -53px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -32px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span>
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Air Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Bronze Star Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Operational Distinguishing Device.png|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -85px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span></center>
|-
|-
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=award-star|ribbon=Meritorious Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Air Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Operational Distinguishing Device.png|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -85px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span>
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=USA - CG PUC Hurricane Katrina.png|width=106}}</center>
|-
|-
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Joint Meritorious Unit Award (USMC and USN frame).svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award ribbon.png|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=USA - CG PUC Hurricane Katrina.png|width=106}}
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Coast Guard Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Operational Distinguishing Device.png|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -106px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -85px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -22px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span></center>
|-
|-
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Joint Meritorious Unit Award (USMC and USN frame).svg|width=106}}
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Operational Distinguishing Device.png|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -85px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span></center>
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award ribbon.png|width=106}}
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Meritorious Team Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -85px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -64px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span></center>
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Coast Guard Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Operational Distinguishing Device.png|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -106px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -85px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -22px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span>
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Bicentennial Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|-
|-
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -63px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:Operational Distinguishing Device.png|20px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -85px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span>
⚫
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Meritorious Team Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}<span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -85px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -64px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span><span style="position:relative; top: 0px; left: -43px; display: inline-block; width: 0;">[[File:1 golden star.svg|21px]]</span>
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Bicentennial Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|-
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Humanitarian Service ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=9-11 Ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Iraq Campaign Medal ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=U.S. Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|-
|<center>{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=U.S. Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Humanitarian Service ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=USCG Sharpshooter Rifle Ribbon.png|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=9-11 Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|<center>{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Coast Guard Expert Pistol Shot Ribbon.svg|width=106}}</center>
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=U.S. Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|-
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=U.S. Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|colspan="3" align="center"|<center>[[File:USCGCASHRE.jpg|70px]]</center>
⚫
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=USCG Sharpshooter Rifle Ribbon.png|width=106}}
|{{ribbon devices|ribbon=Coast Guard Expert Pistol Shot Ribbon.svg|width=106}}
|-
|-
|colspan="3" align="center"|<center>[[File:Joint Chiefs of Staff seal.svg|120px]]</center>
|colspan="3"|[[File:USCG - Commandant's Staff Badge.png|120px]]
|-
|colspan="3"|[[File:Joint Chiefs of Staff seal.svg|120px]]
|}
|}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;"
!Badge
!Badge
|colspan="3" align="center"|<center>[[Naval Aviator insignia]]</center>
|colspan="3"|[[Naval Aviator insignia]]
|-
|-
!1st row
!1st row
| align="center"|<center>[[Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal]]</center>
|align="center" colspan="3"|[[Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Legion of Merit]] with four gold [[award star]]s</center>
| align=center |<center>[[Bronze Star]]</center>
|-
|-
!2nd row
!2nd row
| align=center |<center>[[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] with award star</center>
|[[Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal]] with one gold [[award star]]
⚫
|[[Legion of Merit]] with four award stars
| align=center |<center>[[Air Medal]]</center>
|[[Bronze Star]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Coast Guard Commendation Medal]] with [[Operational Distinguishing Device|"O" device]] and two award stars</center>
|-
|-
!3rd row
!3rd row
|[[Meritorious Service Medal (United States)|Meritorious Service Medal]] with award star
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Coast Guard Achievement Medal]]</center>
|[[Air Medal]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon]]</center>
⚫
|[[Coast Guard Commendation Medal]] with [[Operational Distinguishing Device|"O" device]] and two award stars
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation]] with "hurricane symbol"</center>
|-
|-
!4th row
!4th row
⚫
|[[Coast Guard Achievement Medal]]
| align=center |<center>[[Joint Meritorious Unit Award]]</center>
⚫
|[[Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award]]</center>
⚫
|[[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation]] with "hurricane symbol"
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Coast Guard Unit Commendation]] with "O" device and four award stars</center>
|-
|-
!5th row
!5th row
| align=center |<center>[[Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation]] with "O" device and two award stars</center>
|[[Joint Meritorious Unit Award]]
|[[Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Meritorious Team Commendation]] with three award stars</center>
| align=center |<center>[[Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation]]</center>
|[[Coast Guard Unit Commendation]] with "O" device and four award stars
|-
|-
!6th row
!6th row
⚫
|[[Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation]] with "O" device and two award stars
| align=center |<center>[[National Defense Service Medal]] with one [[service star]]</center>
⚫
|[[Meritorious Team Commendation]] with three award stars
| align=center |<center>[[Iraq Campaign Medal]] with one campaign star</center>
|[[Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Global War on Terrorism Service Medal]]</center>
|-
|-
!7th row
!7th row
| align=center |<center>[[Humanitarian Service Medal]]</center>
|[[National Defense Service Medal]] with one [[service star]]
|[[Iraq Campaign Medal]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Transportation 9-11 Ribbon]]</center>
⚫
|[[Global War on Terrorism Service Medal]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Special Operations Service Ribbon]]</center>
|-
|-
!8th row
!8th row
| align=center |<center>[[Sea Service Ribbon]]</center>
|[[Humanitarian Service Medal]]
⚫
|[[Transportation 9-11 Ribbon]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Marksmanship Device|Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon]] with silver sharpshooter device</center>
⚫
|[[Special Operations Service Ribbon]]
⚫
| align=center |<center>[[Marksmanship Medal|Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal]]</center>
|-
!9th row
|[[Sea Service Ribbon]]
⚫
|[[Marksmanship Device|Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon]] with silver sharpshooter device
⚫
|[[Marksmanship Medal|Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal]]
|-
|-
!Badge
!Badge
|colspan="3" align="center"|<center>[[Command at Sea insignia|Command Ashore Pin]]</center>
|colspan="3"|[[Commandant Staff Badge]]
|-
|-
!Badge
!Badge
|colspan="3" align="center"|<center>[[Joint Staff Identification Badge]]</center>
|colspan="3"|[[Joint Staff Identification Badge]]
|}
|}
</center>


==Notes==
==References==
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{{reflist|25em}}
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{{commons category}}
;Citations
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{{reflist}}


==Sources==
;References cited
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web|title=Admiral Charles W. Ray|url=https://www.uscg.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/1391221/admiral-charles-w-ray/|website=Coast Guard|publisher=U.S. Coast Guard|accessdate=1 December 2019}}
* {{cite web |title=Admiral Charles W. Ray |url=https://www.uscg.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/1391221/admiral-charles-w-ray/ |website=Coast Guard |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard |access-date=1 December 2019}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
*{{C-SPAN|106923}}

⚫
{{commons category}}


{{s-start}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Charles D. Michel]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Charles D. Michel]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard]]|years=2018–present}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard]]|years=2018–2021}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Linda L. Fagan]]}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ray, Charles W.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ray, Charles}}
[[Category:United States Coast Guard Academy alumni]]
[[Category:United States Coast Guard Academy alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Arkansas]]
[[Category:People from Newport, Arkansas]]
[[Category:People from Newport, Arkansas]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Air Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (United States)]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Vice Commandants of the United States Coast Guard]]

Latest revision as of 10:52, 18 December 2023

Charles W. Ray
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Coast Guard
Years of service1981–2021
RankAdmiral
CommandsPacific Area Commander
Fourteenth Coast Guard District
Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen
Battles/warsIraq War
AwardsHomeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (5)
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (2)
Air Medal
Coast Guard Commendation Medal (3)
Coast Guard Achievement Medal

Charles W. Ray is a retired United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the vice commandant of the Coast Guard from May 24, 2018 to June 18, 2021.[1] He previously served as the Coast Guard's deputy commandant for operations.[2]

Early life and education

[edit]

Ray is from Newport, Arkansas, and is a 1981 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy. After an assignment as a deck watch officer aboard USCGC Acushnet (WMEC-167), he was selected for Naval Flight Training and earned his wings in 1984.[2]

Coast Guard career

[edit]

Ray has served at six Coast Guard Air Stations from Alaska to the Caribbean. He was designated an Aeronautical Engineer in 1988 and has served as Engineering Officer at three stations and at the Aviation Logistics Center as the Program Manager for the development of the Coast Guard's Aviation Logistics Management System. He commanded Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico from 2002 through 2005. During the course of his career he accumulated over 5,000 hours of helicopter flight time.[2]

Ray's staff assignments include a tour as Chief of the Office of Performance Management at Coast Guard Headquarters followed by a tour as the Chief of Staff of the Fourteenth Coast Guard District. Ray earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Administration from Purdue University and a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C.[2]

On October 5, 2020, Ray tested positive for COVID-19. Other military leaders were quarantined as a result.[3]

Ray held the title of Ancient Albatross from April 6, 2015 to April 22, 2021. This made him the longest serving Coast Guard Aviator and the 25th Coast Guard aviator to hold the title. He relinquished the title to Rear Admiral Melvin Bouboulis on April 22, 2021.[4][5]

Flag assignments

[edit]
Ray speaks at his retirement ceremony in Washington D.C. in June 2021.

On May 24, 2018, Ray assumed the duties of the vice commandant, the second-in-command of the United States Coast Guard.[2] Ray previously served the Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations from August 2016 to May 2018. In this capacity, he was responsible for the development of operational strategy, policy, guidance, and resources that address national priorities. This oversight of Coast Guard missions, programs, and services includes: intelligence; international affairs; cyber; the maritime transportation system; commercial regulations and inspections; search and rescue; maritime security; law enforcement; defense operations; environmental response; contingency planning; and the operational capabilities of cutter, boat, aviation, shore, and deployable specialized forces.[2]

During his tenure, he failed to act on plans to share the findings with Congress, the Department of Homeland Security, and the public an investigation into rape and sexual assault in the Coast Guard Academy.[6] After inquiries from CNN, Coast Guard officials briefed members of Congress in June 2023.[7] On August 18, 2023, Admiral Ray stepped down as Tyler Chair in Leadership at the Loy Institute at the Coast Guard Academy "for the good of the Service and the good of the Academy."[8][9][10]

Ray's previous Flag Assignment was as the Pacific Area Commander. Prior to that he held flag assignments as the Deputy Pacific Area Commander, the Fourteenth Coast Guard District Commander, service with U.S. Forces Iraq as Director of the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission for the Ministry of the Interior, and as the military advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.[2]

Awards and decorations

[edit]
Gold star
Gold star
Bronze star
Badge Naval Aviator insignia
1st row Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal
2nd row Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal with one gold award star Legion of Merit with four award stars Bronze Star
3rd row Meritorious Service Medal with award star Air Medal Coast Guard Commendation Medal with "O" device and two award stars
4th row Coast Guard Achievement Medal Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation with "hurricane symbol"
5th row Joint Meritorious Unit Award Secretary of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award Coast Guard Unit Commendation with "O" device and four award stars
6th row Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with "O" device and two award stars Meritorious Team Commendation with three award stars Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation
7th row National Defense Service Medal with one service star Iraq Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
8th row Humanitarian Service Medal Transportation 9-11 Ribbon Special Operations Service Ribbon
9th row Sea Service Ribbon Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon with silver sharpshooter device Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal
Badge Commandant Staff Badge
Badge Joint Staff Identification Badge

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "PN1746 — Vice Adm. Charles W. Ray — Coast Guard". U.S. Congress. 16 May 2018. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Admiral Charles W. Ray". www.uscg.mil. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  3. ^ Starr, Barbara; Cohen, Zachary (6 October 2020). "Senior Pentagon leadership quarantining after exposure to coronavirus". CNN.
  4. ^ "Ancient Albatross | Coast Guard Aviation Association". Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  5. ^ "ALCOAST 101/21 - MAR 2021 ANCIENT ALBATROSS AWARD (OFFICER AND ENLISTED)". 12 March 2021.
  6. ^ Kime, Patricia (13 December 2023). "'Culture of Cover-Up:' Senators Ratchet Up Pressure on Coast Guard After It Hid Report on Rapes, Sexual Assaults". Military.com. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  7. ^ Hicken, Melanie (8 August 2023). "Former Coast Guard head covered up secret investigation into sexual assaults at the Coast Guard Academy". CNN. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  8. ^ Hallenbeck, Brian (19 August 2023). "Coast Guard Academy Official Resigns". The New London Day. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  9. ^ Hallenbeck, Brian (21 October 2023). "Schultz's presence at Coast Guard Academy homecoming said to roil some". The New London Day. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  10. ^ Kounelias, Justin (13 December 2023). "Senate hearing brings Coast Guard Academy harassment cover-up to forefront". WTNH Hartford. Retrieved 18 December 2023.

Sources

[edit]
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Charles Ray (admiral).
Military offices
Preceded by Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard
2018–2021 		Succeeded by
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