CDR Roberto Clemente Concepcion

Presidente, Clase 65 “La Mejor”

BIOGRAPHY

Commander Roberto Clemente Concepcion recently served as
the Chief of Response at Sector Maryland National Capital
Region, where he is responsible for coordinating the execution
of all Search and Rescue, Marine Environmental Response, Law
Enforcement, and Ports Waterways and Coastal Security
missions in Maryland and the National Capital Region. Notably,
he led the team of responders after the 948FT vessel DALI
collided with the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its
collapse. This unprecedented response gained national media
attention and resulted in the removal of over 50,000 tons of
wreckage, the removal of the DALI, and the reconstitution of
the Port of Baltimore, all while mitigating adverse impacts to
the environmentally sensitive Chesapeake Bay.
In his previous role, he served as the Maritime Safety and
Security Team and Canine Explosives Detection Program
Manager at Coast Guard Headquarters in the Office of
Specialized Capabilities. He received his commission from
Officer Candidate School in 2007 and was assigned to
Integrated Support Command Alameda in Alameda, CA where he managed a physical security program
responsible for the security of 3,000 people across 15 tenant commands. In 2008, he joined the
Deployable Specialized Forces, leading a contingent in the North Arabian Gulf in support of Combined
Task Force 151’s counter-piracy mission. His team’s efforts resulted in the apprehension and prosecution
of 17 Somali pirates and provided security in Iraq for more than 300 tons of crude oil. In 2012, CDR
Concepcion served as the East Central Regional Leader at U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Command in
Arlington, Virginia, where he was responsible for mission planning, training, and oversight of recruiting
operations across 16 states. Additionally, he earned selection as a White House Social Aide in 2013,
attending to the needs of visiting dignitaries and facilitating guest interactions with the President of the
United States and the First Lady. In 2015, he served as a Command Duty Officer at Rescue Sub-Center
San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico, directing all Coast Guard response operations with 18 nations, five
foreign Rescue Coordination Centers, and 25 federal and local agencies.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Naval Officers Association as the Coast
Guard Affiliate (since 2019). He was recently selected as the recipient of the 2024 Blacks In Government
Military Meritorious Service Award that recognizes service members who exemplify the core values of
their service. A recipient of the 2022 John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award that
recognizes the Coast Guard officer who best exemplifies the Coast Guard’s Core Values of Honor,
Respect, and Devotion to Duty. He is a 2013 Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award
Corporation (HENAAC) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Military Hero Awardee
for his commitment to reaching young people in underserved and underrepresented communities gain
exposure and access to STEM opportunities. He is also a 2019 CAPT Edward R. Williams Awardee for
Excellence in Diversity due to his numerous accomplishments improving diversity and inclusion in the
Coast Guard. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Alcorn State University (2005),
a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College (2015), and
a Masters of Arts in International Relations from Salve Regina University (2016).