CAPT James Corbett

Commander, Maritime Law Enforcement Academy  
 

Captain James Corbett assumed command of the Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) in Charleston, SC on 11 July 2024 where he oversees the annual training of over 8,500 students in the safe, legal, and professional enforcement of U.S. laws throughout the maritime environment. He reported to MLEA following completion of Senior Service School at the National Defense University’s (NDU) Eisenhower School in Washington, D.C., earning a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy. Prior to NDU, he served as the Executive Officer at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, the Service’s largest training command.

Captain Corbett’s previous assignments include Coast Guard Sector New York’s Logistics Department Head and CO of Military Personnel.  Notably, he also served as Deputy Sector Commander for eight months, filling a critical void at the one of the Coast Guard’s busiest sectors and most trafficked ports. Prior to Sector New York, he was a FORCECOM Training Manager at USCG Headquarters in Washington, DC with oversight of all Civil and Naval Engineering Training Programs.
Captain Corbett’s earlier tours include Deck Watch Officer aboard USCGC FORWARD, Portsmouth, VA; Executive Officer of CGC EDISTO, San Diego, CA; Command Duty Officer and Assistant Senior Watch Officer at the CG National Command Center, Washington, DC; and Commanding Officer of CGC SAPELO, San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2011, Captain Corbett was selected for a two-year Department of Homeland Security Fellowship at the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center in Vienna, VA, where he served as the Congressional Liaison Officer.
Captain Corbett is a 2002 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research with Computer Analysis and served as Co-Captain of the Bears’ football team. Captain Corbett also holds a 2012 Master of Art degree in Strategic Security Studies from the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University. In 2013, CAPT Corbett was selected for a year-long graduate degree program through Boise State University, earning a Master of Science degree in Human Performance Technology.  
Captain Corbett’s awards include three Meritorious Service medals, three CG Commendation Medals, the CG Achievement medal, and a host of other personal and unit awards.
Captain Corbett is married to the former Ms. Allison Elsaesser of Reston, VA. They have one son, Camden James, and one daughter, Grace Evelyn. They currently reside in Johns Island, SC.