The vice commandant of the Coast Guard serves as the second-in-command of the United States Coast Guard, behind only the commandant of the Coast Guard. Since 1929, 31 officers have served as Vice Commandant, or, as the position was referred to before 1972, Assistant Commandant. The title of the position was changed effective October 2, 1972, pursuant to . This position has been historically held by a vice admiral until the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 elevated the statutory rank for the position to admiral. The current vice commandant is Admiral Steven D. Poulin, who assumed office on May 31, 2022. Vice commandants of the Coast Guard See also Commandant of the Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Vice Chief of Naval Operations Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Vice Chief of Space Operations References Vice Commandants of the Coast Guard External links Vice Commandant's official website United States Coast Guard job titles