Preston Replaces Mattern At Sector Ohio Valley
Capt. Randy Preston took command of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley from Capt. Heather Mattern during a ceremony July 14 in Louisville, Ky.
The ceremony and reception were held at American Legion Post 180 and also broadcast live on the sector’s Facebook page. Rear Adm. David Barata, commander of the Coast Guard’s Heartland District, presided.
Sector Ohio Valley encompasses all or parts of 10 states and is headquartered in Louisville. It includes 11 major rivers, 29 lakes, 84 navigational locks and 3,000 miles of waterways that transport more than $45 billion in commercial cargo annually, according to information provided by the sector.
“To sum it up, this is a huge and busy area of responsibility,” Barata said.
As operational commander, Mattern led more than 400 active-duty, reserve and civilian personnel across the sector office, three marine safety units, three small boat stations, two marine safety detachments, six river tenders and one small boat detachment.
The three years Mattern has commanded the sector have coincided with three years of extreme low water on the system, but Mattern has consistently found ways to operate effectively and maintain readiness “despite limited resources and dynamic and challenging circumstances,” he said. He added that she was an important voice in lobbying for funding to build new waterways commerce cutters.
Barata teased about what he called her strong leadership, passion and advocacy for her crews and their mission, saying, “if I could just get her to speak her mind” and “I’ve been trying to draw her out of her shell,” followed by immediate laughter from the assembled audience.
He then presented Mattern with a citation for meritorious service, noting, among other accomplishments, that she “ensured the integrity of the maritime transportation system.”
Mattern said during her speech that, while the Coast Guard knows a lot about national security, it is becoming ever more obvious that national security also means economic security. A safe and secure maritime transportation system is key to that, she said.
She thanked her family, her colleagues and her crew, leaving them with a final word of advice from Dolly Parton: “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.”
“We know our waterways maritime communities’ assets and crews the best,” she said. “Therefore, we can be proactive in leading the way, finding who we are and how we can best complete our mission and take care of our crews.”
Mattern’s next assignment will be with the Coast Guard’s Southwest District, where she will serve as director of inspections and compliance.
New Commander’s Background
Preston comes to the unit after most recently serving as deputy commander of Sector Charleston, S.C., since June 2023. Prior to that assignment. he attended the National War College in Washington, D.C., where he earned his Master of Science degree in national security strategy. He also holds a Master of Science in quality systems management from the National Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
He previously served as commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Chicago, where he was responsible for safeguarding the marine safety, security and environmental stewardship of the busiest port complex within the Great Lakes Region, including 286 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and the Illinois River System.
Other assignments have included serving as chief of the Coast Guard Investigations National Center of Expertise in New Orleans; supervisor at Marine Safety Detachment Lewes, Del.; prevention department head at Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh, Pa.; and chief of the Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection Division at Integrated Support Command Alameda, Calif.
A native of Goldthwaite, Texas, Preston received his commission in July 2003 and has more than 36 years of military service, including 14 years as an enlisted member prior to earning his commission. He is also a maritime safety and environmental protection professional with more than 20 years of experience in operations ashore.
His military awards include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal and teh Commandant’s Letter of Commendation.
Preston told those gathered for the ceremony, “We’re all leaders. We’re all part of a team.”
Along with thanking those who have supported him in his life and career, he told the crew of Sector Ohio Valley, “I’m honored and excited about serving alongside you.”
