RADM Joseph L. Nimmich, U.S. Coast Guard Retired

RADM Joseph L. Nimmich, U.S. Coast Guard Retired

Rear Admiral Nimmich assumed the duties of Commander, First Coast Guard District in July 2009. He oversees all Coast Guard missions across eight states in the Northeast and 2,000 miles of coastline from the U.S.-Canadian border to northern New Jersey. In fulfilling these responsibilities, Rear Admiral Nimmich commands more than 12,000 active duty, reserve, civilian and Auxiliary personnel, and employs 30 cutters, 200 boats and 8 aircraft.

Rear Admiral Nimmich graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1977, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in History and Government and a commission as Ensign in the Coast Guard. He has his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Stern School of Business and attended Army War College in Carlisle, PA where he earned a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies. Rear Admiral Nimmich’s previous flag assignments include Director, Joint Interagency Task Force South, Assistant Commandant for Policy and Planning, United States Coast Guard Headquarters, and Director of the Maritime Domain Awareness Program Integration Office.

Rear Admiral Nimmich was promoted to flag rank in July 2005. Rear Admiral Nimmich has served aboard the USCGC's WOODRUSH and MESQUITE and has commanded the Cutters POINT ESTERO, RED BEECH, and SORREL. Rear Admiral Nimmich has also served as Commander, Coast Guard Group Key West and has held various staff assignments in both Districts and Headquarters including the Office of Operational Law Enforcement, the Office of Budget and Planning and Policy, and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard.

Rear Admiral Nimmich’s personal awards include a Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with 3 Gold Stars), Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (with three stars and operational ‘O’ device), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal (with two stars and operational ‘O’ device), the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation (with star and operational ‘O’ device) and the Department of Transportation 9-11 Medal.