Vice Admiral Paul A. Welling assumed the duties of Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area and U.S. Maritime Defense Zone Atlantic on June 28, 1991, following a two-year assignment as Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, Portsmouth, Virginia.
Upon graduation from the Coast Guard Academy in 1959, Admiral Welling was assigned to the Cutter Pontchartrain, commanded the Cutter Cape Wash and then commanded Loran Station Johnston Island. Following assignment as a Company Officer at the Coast Guard Academy, he served as Executive Officer of the Cutter Vigilant. He graduated with distinction from the Naval War College in 1970, and was then assigned to the Military Readiness Division at Coast Guard Headquarters. After a three year assignment in the Ocean Affairs Office of the Department of state, he assumed command of the Cutter Vigorous.
Admiral Welling was Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Academy’s sailing training vessel, the barque Eagle, from August 1976 until July 1980. Upon graduation from the National War College in 1981, he served in the Search and Rescue Division of Coast Guard Headquarters. He was then assigned to the Third District where he was Chief, Search and Rescue Branch; Deputy Coordinator, National Narcotics Border Interdiction System, Northeast Region; and then Chief Operations Division.
He was Fifth District Chief of Staff from July 1985 until June 1987 when he was promoted to Rear Admiral and assigned as Chief, Office of Readiness and Reserve.
In addition to a Bachelor of Science Degree, Admiral Welling has a Master of Science Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Connecticut. His awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal. He holds a Merchant Marine Master’s License for oceangoing vessels of any size.
Admiral Welling is a native of New York City and is married to the former Sheila M. D. They have two children, Andrea and Paul Jr.