Three Decades of Semper Paratus
Lt. Cmdr. Catherine Schmidt, a reservist assigned to Coast Guard Northwest District is retiring upon the completion of 30 years of distinguished military and civilian service to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Schmidt's Coast Guard career began in 2000 upon graduating from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Commissioned as Ensign, she served seven and a half years on active duty before transitioning to the Reserves as a Lieutenant. She later continued her service as a civilian employee with the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). While in the Reserves, she rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, ultimately concluding her military career after twice missing promotion to Commander.
Driven by a profound desire to contribute and leave the service better than she found it, Schmidt wasted no time enlisting. Now a dedicated Yeoman reservist, she takes a proactive approach to supporting shipmates before a crisis arises. Her firsthand insights into investigative processes revealed a crucial opportunity to make a difference: by anchoring members in proper administrative policy, she ensures compliance and protects careers well before disciplinary action enter the picture.
Schmidt now trades deck plates for a home overflowing with love and the high energy chaos of little ones ranging from five months to five years old. Thank you for 30 years of resilience, leadership, and sacrifice in the Coast Guard. Bravo Zulu, Chief — enjoy the new command.