Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument
MEDIA RELEASE
David J. Swatland
Capt. David J. Swatland, most recently Chief of Response for the U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District in Honolulu, joins NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries as Deputy Superintendent for Policies and Programs for Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
“We are tremendously fortunate to have someone of David’s caliber, background and experience join the Monument’s leadership team,†said superintendent Aulani Wilhelm. “His leadership role at PapahÄnaumokuÄkea Marine National Monument is vital now as we enter into our second decade of ocean protection in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands – first as a coral reef ecosystem reserve and now as a monument.â€
Swatland will supervise program managers for education, constituency building, evaluation, policy/programs and data integration.
Swatland graduated from the U. S. Coast Guard Academy in 1983. His 27-year Coast Guard career has included both operational and staff tours; duty as a fixed wing and rotary aviator, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. In July 2008, Swatland assumed his most recent role in Honolulu, responsible for Coast Guard operations over a 12-million square mile area.
As a resident of Hawaii, I think we are all very fortunate to have such a consummate professional for this important role! Papahanaumokuakea is an important place for the people of Hawaii and it takes a dedicated team to ensure that it is protected. Great choice!