Rear Admiral Megan Dean assumed the duties as the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Operations Integration and Response Policy in July 2025. In this capacity, she is responsible for the development of strategic response doctrine and policy guidance for all Coast Guard forces. These policies encompass seven of the eleven operational maritime missions in the areas of law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime security, counterterrorism, defense operations, marine environmental response and emergency management and disaster response programs. Additionally, in this role she is charged with ensuring the synchronization and coordination of Coast Guard operations at a service echelon including with DHS, the Joint Force, and the Interagency; equipping Coast Guard leadership to make informed operational decisions, strategically manage operational risk, and oversee operational planning and readiness for global contingencies.
Rear Admiral Dean previously served as the Commander of the Coast Guard’s Arctic District headquartered in Juneau, Alaska where she was responsible for Coast Guard operations throughout Alaska, the North Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea. She has also served as the Director of Governmental and Public Affairs for the Coast Guard, where she led the Service’s external engagement with Congress, the media and other inter-governmental entities. Prior to promotion to Flag Rank, Rear Admiral Dean served as the Chief of Staff of the 13th Coast Guard District headquartered in Seattle, directing more than 2,000 men and women responsible for executing Coast Guard missions within the Pacific Northwest, including the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
Rear Admiral Dean’s Coast Guard career has encompassed numerous operational tours. She began her career as First Lieutenant, Coast Guard Cutter VIGOROUS, in Cape May, NJ. She served as Executive Officer of Coast Guard Cutter CONIFER, in San Pedro, CA, Executive Officer of Coast Guard Cutter WILLOW, in Newport, RI, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cutter WALNUT, in Honolulu, HI, Deputy Commander Coast Guard Sector Baltimore and Commander Coast Guard Sector Miami. Staff assignments include Duty Officer in the 7th Coast Guard District Command Center, Aide to the Commander U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Military Assistant to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Rear Admiral Dean is a 1993 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy. She holds a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University and she completed the National Security Fellowship at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal and Coast Guard Achievement Medal.