Coast Guard

James E. Dolbow is a writer, Coast Guard Reserve Officer, and former defense staff writer on Capitol Hill. Recalled to active duty in 2003 to support Operation Noble Eagle, Lieutenant Dolbow served as a watch stander in the Joint Operations Command Center in Washington, D.C., coordinator of a round of port security grant applications, and leader for a harbor patrol team. Activated again in 2005, he took part in post-Hurricane Katrina operations and served as a legislative affairs analyst on the staff of Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen, who led those efforts. Lieutenant Doblow earned a bachelor of science degree in political science at Marymount University and a master of arts degree in national security studies from the Naval War College. A member of the USNI editorial board, his articles and letters-to-the-editor on national defense and homeland security issues have appeared in Proceedings, the Washington Post, and the Washington Times.

Jim Howe Captain, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.) works in the homeland security arena. Prior to his recent retirement, he served for three years as the Chief of Coast Guard Congressional Affairs, overseeing all Coast Guard activity related to Capitol Hill. He has extensive experience with the Coast Guard serving as a career Cutterman, with 11 years at sea. Prior to his assignment as Chief of Congressional Affairs, Captain Howe served in the Office of the Vice President as a Special Advisor for homeland security, focusing on border and transportation security issues. The Proceedings author and USNI editorial board member is a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. His academic accomplishments include having earned a master of arts degree in Government from Harvard University, and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Marine Corps War College.

James Loy Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.) completed a 45-year career in public service, retiring in 2005 as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. In this capacity, he was involved in all aspects of consolidating 22 separate agencies into one unified Cabinet department as well as managing the agency's day-to-day activities. Prior to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security in 2002, Admiral Loy served in the Department of Transportation as Deputy Undersecretary for Security and Chief Operating Officer of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and later as Under Secretary for Security. In these roles, he served as the first administrator of the newly created TSA, which is responsible for protecting the Nation's transportation systems. Admiral Loy retired from the Coast Guard in 2002, having served as its Commandant since May 1998. As head of the 90,000 person service, he restored readiness through workforce development and modernized the Coast Guard's fleet of ships and aircraft. Admiral Loy co-authored the Naval Institute Press book The Architecture of Leadership.

Vince Patton Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (Ret.) retired from the Coast Guard in 2002, completing more than 30 years of service as the service's most senior enlisted member – the principal enlisted adviser to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, his directorates, and the Secretaries of Transportation and Defense. In that capacity, he routinely addressed personnel issues before the Commander-in-Chief and Congressional committees. Presently director of community outreach for Military.com, he sits on numerous boards and councils. Dr. Patton holds a Doctor of Education degree from The American University, and serves as the chairman of the USNI Editorial Board.