Rear Admiral Fred Midgette assumed duty as the Ninth Coast Guard District Commander in June 2013.

He is the senior operational commander in the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway – an area that encompasses eight states, a 1500 mile international border, and a workforce of over six thousand active, reserve, civilian and auxiliary Coast Guardsmen. His previously served as Military Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security where he supported the Secretary in affairs relating to the coordination and execution of policy and operations between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense.

Rear Admiral Midgette has served afloat on both coasts and the Great Lakes earning designation as a Coast Guard Cutterman and a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer. He has commanded four Coast Guard Cutters and served over 12 years afloat in USCGC TANEY (Portsmouth, VA); USS FIFE (San Diego, CA); USCGC POINT LEDGE (Fort Bragg, CA); USCGC POINT WINSLOW (Eureka & Morro Bay, CA); USCGC KATMAI BAY (Sault Ste. Marie, MI); USCGC HARRIET LANE (Portsmouth, VA); USCGC FORWARD (Portsmouth, VA); and America’s Tall Ship – the Coast Guard Barque EAGLE.