By Coast Guard All Hands sends out a bravo zulu to retired Vice Adm. Brian Salerno on his selection as the next director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. The former Coast Guard deputy commandant for operations will take the helm at BSEE on Monday.
Salerno brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to BSEE – charged with promoting safety, protecting the environment and conserving resources offshore through vigorous regulatory oversight and enforcement. He spent the majority of his Coast Guard career specializing in marine safety, serving as an incident commander for a number of oil spills and hurricane responses. As a member of the National Academy of Sciences Ocean Studies Board, Salerno played a lead role in helping the government understand the implications of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic.
“Brian Salerno is an innovative and proven leader who has dedicated his entire professional career to maritime safety, security and environmental protection. He is a superb choice to lead BSSE,” said Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations Vice Adm. Peter Neffenger. “I look forward to working with him and I wish him every success.”
Salerno will succeed retired Rear Adm. James Watson who has led BSEE since December 2011.