Franklin A. Welch (born c. 1960)[1] was the ninth Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard.

They live in Spotsylvania, VA. On October 10, 2002, Welch assumed his duties as the ninth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.

Advancing quickly, Welch served in the Coast Guard for 26 years; thirteen of which were as a Master Chief Petty Officer.

In August 2002, he received the Northern California Senior Enlisted Person of the Year (Operational) award sponsored by the United States Navy League.

Welch attended many specialized training courses during his career, including the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy, where he was the president of Class XXVI.