U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) Exchange Retired General Manager Tom Birch (right) hands flowers to his wife during his retirement ceremony at USCGA, New London, Connecticut, Dec. 12, 2025. Birch implemented the first Coast Guard Exchange online store with 24 hour access, allowing cadets to purchase food, drink, or supplies at any hour of the day. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Third Class Leo Avila.)