Captain Pat C. Burkett

Commander, Sector Maryland – National Capital Region

Capt. Pat C. Burkett assumed the duties of commander, Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region (NCR) in June 2024. In this position, Burkett leads Coast Guard operational forces in the execution and coordination of all maritime safety, security, and environmental missions. This includes eight multi-mission stations, three aids to navigation teams (ANT), and one Coast Guard cutter operating on the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay north of the Virginia/Maryland line and its tributaries, as well as Ocean City, Maryland.

Prior to assuming command of Sector Maryland-National Capital Region, Burkett served as the chief of the prevention division at the Thirteenth Coast Guard District in July 2021.  In this position, he was responsible for all aspects of commercial vessel and waterfront facility inspections, oversight of marine casualty investigations and merchant mariner suspension and revocation cases, as well as administrative control of all District Auxiliary personnel.

His previous assignments include Coast Guard liaison to Military Sealift Command (MSC) in which he was the primary advisor to the MSC Commander to ensure vessel readiness for over 130 naval auxiliary vessels tasked to sustained global warfighting capability, provide combat support and humanitarian aid around the globe. Previous operational assignments include prevention department head, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville; executive officer, Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh; investigating officer, Coast Guard Sector Virginia (formerly known as Sector Hampton Roads), and a marine inspector at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans and Marine Safety Office/Sector Miami.

Burkett’s staff assignments include International Port Security Program at Coast Guard Atlantic Area in Portsmouth, Virginia, and Coast Guard Headquarters where he served on the Budget and Financial Planning Staff. He was also selected to the Investigations Industry Training program where he assisted the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation following Flight 1541 crash into the Hudson River in 2009. 

A native of Norway, South Carolina, Burkett graduated with honors from South Carolina State University in 1999 and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness.  He also holds a Master of Science Degree in Management with a specialization in Homeland Security Management from the University of Maryland University College.

Burkett’s military decorations include: four Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, three Coast Guard Commendation Medal, three Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Commandant’s Letter of Commendation and several Unit and Service awards.  He was also awarded the Secretary of Homeland Security’s Award for Volunteer Service in 2007.

He is married to his wife, Sadequa, and they have two children, Diamond and Taylor.