Charles E. Larkin

There, while serving as navigator, Larkin was awarded the Silver Lifesaving Medal for rescuing a drowning crewmember who had fallen into the harbor after slipping from an icy dock.

While serving as Chief of Staff, 7th Coast Guard District in Miami, Larkin was selected for promotion to flag rank and received his new stars in July 1976, and also was awarded a second Meritorious Service Medal.

Anticipating his designation as the first Commander, United States Maritime Defense Zone, Pacific, Vice Admiral Larkin strengthened relations with the Navy and started basic planning to implement this important national security effort.

By focusing on military readiness training, reprogramming personnel resources and pursuing an aggressive law enforcement posture, he improved the operational capabilities of units throughout the Pacific Area.

His interest in and support of the National effort to reduce the importation of illegal drugs and his solid understanding of organizational relationships and how to make them work greatly facilitated the establishment and smooth functioning of the Pacific Regional Center of NNBIS.

Vice Admiral Larkin instituted an aggressive fuel conservation program which resulted in thousands of dollars becoming available for needed expenditures in cutter maintenance and improvements.

He was also instrumental in the execution of a precedent setting agreement with the Oregon State Pilotage Commission, and the establishment of operational standards for small boat stations to assure adequate and timely action with limited personnel.

Rear Admiral Larkin's exceptional ability, inspiring leadership and zealous devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.