Nicholas C. Mandozzi

Serves as a department head, navigator, and lead planner for all unit operations aboard the Coast Guard's Indo-Pacific support cutter. Leads bilateral shiprider operations and diplomatic shore-side engagements with Pacific Island governments, while coordinating joint operations with regional allies. Directs the cutter's role as the Service's forward deployed asset to strengthen regional partnerships, protect U.S. maritime borders/approaches, and advance national security objectives across Oceania.

Served as second-in-command of a training field unit under Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM), responsible for the standardization and readiness of major cutters. Supervised a mobile training team of 15 senior enlisted subject matter experts and coordinated directly with Coast Guard Headquarters, FORCECOM leadership, and afloat commanders. Directed training visits and assessments from Alaska to Hawaii, ensuring ships achieved operational proficiency and compliance. As part of FORCECOM's standardization enterprise, delivered frontline training capability, sustaining operational excellence across the fleet.

Served as Commanding Officer with full responsibility and accountability for crew and all aspects of cutter operations, readiness, and safety. Directed high-tempo missions in the Florida Straits and Gulf of Mexico, including migrant interdictions, narcotics seizures, fisheries enforcement, and search and rescue. As part of District Southeast-the Coast Guard's busiest operational area-led one of the Service's frontline assets conducting persistent maritime law enforcement and security operations that safeguarded U.S. borders, upheld international law, and countered transnational threats.

Oversaw daily operations, tactical planning, and crew readiness aboard a forward-deployed patrol boat assigned to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), the Coast Guard's largest overseas presence. Served as Weapons Control Officer through contested transits of the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring combat systems readiness, applying rules of engagement, and directing live-fire exercises. Led missions in the Arabian Gulf alongside U.S. Navy and coalition forces to enforce maritime security, protect vital sea lanes, and deter regional threats. Strengthened partnerships with regional navies though joint operations, advancing U.S. national defense objectives within one of the world's most strategically contested regions.

Directed navigation, seamanship, and bridge operations aboard the Service's most capable and globally deployable assets. Stood Officer of the Deck during during complex evolutions and high-tempo deployments. Served as Pursuit Mission Commander and Boarding Officer, leading high-speed interdictions against drug smuggling vessels while coordinating surface and airborne use of force.

Performed deck and seamanship duties prior to commissioning through Officer Candidate School. Formed foundational skills and experience that informed future officer leaderships roles.