LCDR Dana E. Prefer
Commanding Officer
Education and Training Quota Management Command
A native of Freeport, New York, Lieutenant Commander Prefer Graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2011, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine and Environmental Sciences.
Upon graduation, she served as a Deck Watch Officer and First Lieutenant onboard CGC Harriet Lane (WMEC 903), a 270’ Medium Endurance Cutter home-ported in Portsmouth, VA. Upon transfer from Harriet Lane, she was assigned as the Combat Systems Officer and Navigator onboard CGC Bertholf (WMSL 750), a 418’ National Security Cutter home-ported in Alameda, CA.
Following her tour onboard Bertholf, Lieutenant Commander Prefer reported to San Juan, PR as the Commanding Officer of CGC Drummond (WPB 1323), a 110’ Patrol Boat, where she served as the final Commanding Officer and led the cutter through the decommissioning process.
Following decommissioning, she served as the Commanding Officer of CGC Isaac Mayo (WPC 1112), a 154’ Fast Response Cutter home-ported in Key West, FL. After a successful tour in Key West, she was selected to attend postgraduate school at Indiana University and earned a Master of Science degree in Instructional Systems Technology. After earning her Master’s degree, Lieutenant Commander Prefer served in the Performance Systems Division at Training Center Petaluma. In addition, she also served as the Division Officer for the Aviation Survival Technician School where she oversaw the re-location of the Aviation Survival Technician School from Elizabeth City, NC to Petaluma, CA. Lieutenant Commander Prefer reported to CGC Dependable in June 2022 and served as the Executive Officer.
Lieutenant Commander Prefer’s personal awards include four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon, and multiple unit awards.
Lieutenant Commander Prefer is married to Jen Reynolds and they have two miniature dachshunds named Buoy and Cutter. They reside in Chesapeake, VA and enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
Commanding Officer
USCG Education and Training Quota Management Command
300 East Main Street Suite 1201
Norfolk, VA 23510
Work: (757) 756-5340
email:Dana.E.Prefer@uscg.mil