Captain Luis J. Rodríguez
Commander, USCG Sector San Juan
Command Philosophy
Captain Luis J. Rodríguez assumed command of Sector San Juan on June 13, 2024, where he is responsible for leading Coast Guard missions and forces in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands throughout Sector San Juan’s 1.3 million square nautical mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Caribbean. He is also the Captain of the Port and Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands and the adjacent waters to the outermost extent of their respective Exclusive Economic Zones.
Captain Rodríguez is a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1994 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1998.
Captain Rodríguez served as Deputy Director of International Affairs and Foreign Policy Advisor where he oversaw all Coast Guard international initiatives and engagements to advance national strategic and Service objectives. He also served as the National Command and Response Center Director. In 2020, he attended the Inter-American Defense College. Captain Rodríguez also served as Sector Key West Deputy Commander, where he oversaw all Coast Guard missions in the Florida Keys. From 2015 to 2019, he served at the Seventh Coast Guard District as Deputy Chief of Enforcement. He oversaw all law enforcement operations in a 1.8 million square mile area of responsibility and as Operational Plans, Policy, and International Engagement Section Chief. From 2012 to 2015, he served as Sector Miami Command Center Chief, responsible for prosecuting and coordinating the Coast Guard’s response in one of the busiest operational areas. From 2008 to 2012, he was a Regional Advisor in the Office of International Affairs and Foreign Policy where he was responsible for international policy and engagement in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Captain Rodríguez was assigned as Deck Watch Officer onboard CGC COURAGEOUS and Operations Officer on CGC VIGILANT. Captain Rodríguez served in various capacities throughout his career to include Machinery Technician, Station San Juan; Officer Trainee at Recruiting Office, San Juan; GANTSEC Cutter Scheduler and Logistics Officer; GANTSEC International Operations Officer; GANTSEC Intelligence Officer and Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement; and Sector San Juan Enforcement Branch Chief.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the Interamerican University, a master’s degree in international public policy from Johns Hopkins University and, a master of science in hemispheric defense and security from the Inter-American Defense College. Captain Rodríguez is an Honorary Colonel in the Puerto Rico Police Department. Personal awards include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Expert Rifleman, and the Expert Pistol Shot. He has earned the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Presidential Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, DOT Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard “E” Ribbon, 9-11 Ribbon, Special Operations Ribbon, in addition to several Meritorious Unit Commendation and Meritorious Team Commendation awards. He is the recipient of the 2018 Neil P. Thompson Innovation Award and was also awarded the “Amicitia Et Pax” diploma from the Venezuelan Defense Attaché in Washington, DC. Captain Rodríguez is married to Glory Ann Olmedo. They are the proud parents of Jesús-Javier, a University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill graduate. Captain Rodríguez enjoys spending quality time with family and traveling.