RADM Frank Schaefer is currently serving as the Coast Guard’s representative to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Presidential Transition Office (PTO). The PTO is statutorily charged with coordinating Departmental activities in preparation for a presidential transition following an election. Accordingly, RADM Schaefer is responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for Coast Guard transition activities to ensure continuity of operations and facilitate a seamless transition of Departmental leadership.
RADM Schaefer also serves on the Talent Management Transformation Program Integration Office (TMX-PIO). In this role, he advances the Service’s efforts to Transform the Total Workforce.
Prior to his current assignment, RADM Schaefer was the Senior Reserve Officer to the Deputy Commandant for Operations (DCO), serving as a key advisor to DCO and the Deputy for Operations, Policy and Capabilities (DCO-D) on reserve operational strategy, policy, capability, and resources to meet national priorities for Coast Guard missions, programs, and services.
From 2019 to 2021, RADM Schaefer was the Pacific Area Reserve Chief of Staff, serving as the principal advisor to the Area Commander, Deputy Area Commander, and Area Staff regarding mobilization and augmentation readiness, training, and force employment for over 1,750 drilling reservists. He led, managed, and developed Pacific Area’s Reserve Senior Leadership Team of four District Senior Reserve Officers, Area and District Command Master Chiefs, Captains serving at Combatant Commands, and Maritime Expeditionary Security Groups.
RADM Schaefer was also the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Reserve Unit United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) from 2014 to 2017. As Commanding Officer, he was the principal advisor to the Director of Reserve Forces NORTHCOM on all Coast Guard Reserve matters, providing strategic guidance on reserve support to Interagency, Planning, Operations, Personnel, and Logistics.
RADM Schaefer enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1982. After recruit training, he attended Submarine School and Fire Control Technician School. As a Fire Controlman, he served aboard the USS NATHAN HALE (SSBN 623), USS TECUMSEH (SSBN 628), and USS HOLLAND (AS-32). He earned Naval Warfare Designators in Submarine and Surface Warfare Specialist. In 1989, RADM Schaefer enlisted in the Coast Guard as an Electronics Technician First Class.
Upon Commissioning in August 1992, RADM Schaefer served as a SAR Operations Duty Officer at Coast Guard Group Charleston qualifying as SAR Controller and Command Duty Officer.
RADM Schaefer holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business. He is a graduate of two 18-month Department of Navy Leadership Development Programs. In 2006, he was selected and completed the Department of the Navy, Shore Station Senior Leadership Course for Prospective Commanding Officers of Naval Shore Installations. Additionally, RADM Schaefer studied at the National Defense University, Naval War College, Army War College, and the Joint Forces Staff College.
In 2011, RADM Schaefer was awarded the prestigious Coast Guard Captain John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award.
RADM Schaefer’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal (5), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal (3), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.