U.S. Coast Guard selects new Atlantic Area Reserve Command Master Chief from the ranks of U.S. Transportation Command

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., (USTCNS) --- One of U.S. Transportation Command's own assumed duties as the United States Coast Guard Atlantic Area Reserve Command Master Chief, Nov. 24th. Master Chief Dennis Kirk works full-time here in USTRANSCOM's Force Protection Directorate.

Under the Force Protection Directorate, Kirk works for the Ground/Port Cell where he is responsible for ensuring forces and cargo safely transit seaports worldwide.

In his new Reserve role, Kirk will advise and consult with the Area Commander, Vice Admiral James D. Hull, on policy, issues and initiatives that directly impact Coast Guard personnel and their families.

"I work closely with my active duty counterparts ensuring that all members of the Coast Guard are represented." Kirk said while describing his new duties.

The Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command is responsible for all Coast Guard activities spanning five Coast Guard districts on the eastern shore of the U.S.; 14 million squares miles, involving 33,248 military and civilian employees including 30,285 auxiliary personnel.

According to Kirk, "While both assignments may be complimentary, I anticipate carefully managing my time and priorities in order to fulfill both commitments to the Atlantic Area Commander and to USTRANSCOM."

Kirk is a native of St. Louis and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1975. He served as a gunner's mate aboard the Navy cruiser USS Horne and the frigate USS Hawes. Kirk left active duty in 1986 as a Chief Gunner's Mate and enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve. After working in the civilian business sector in training and development positions, Kirk volunteered to return to active duty in 1998.