Episode 3: Accountability, Teamwork, and the Long Game with CDR Craig Johnson ’09

Episode 3: Accountability, Teamwork, and the Long Game with CDR Craig Johnson ’09

First Class Cadet Elijah Parent ’26 and LCDR Nick Martin ’12 sit down with Commander Craig Johnson ’09, commanding officer of Station New York and former Coast Guard Academy basketball standout. Together, they explore leadership, growth, accountability, and what it means to be a “late bloomer” in both life and service. Commander Johnson reflects candidly on his non-linear career path—from the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin to Deployable Specialized Forces, Coast Guard Headquarters, Harvard Kennedy School, the White House, and ultimately command in one of the Coast Guard’s busiest operational environments. Throughout the conversation, he shares lessons on resilience, self-development, mentorship, networking, and the importance of becoming “a dog that can hunt”—someone trusted to solve problems, lead teams, and navigate ambiguity. The episode also dives into themes that resonate deeply with cadet life today, including failure as a pathway to growth, the realities of leadership and accountability, and how sports and team dynamics shape effective leaders. Johnson’s reflections on investing in personal development, earning credibility through action, and leading from the front offer a thoughtful perspective for cadets, alumni, and Coast Guard leaders alike. In the Alumni Impact Interlude, Third Class Cadets Katelyn Harvey and Tyler Kenney share how they worked alongside the USCGA Alumni Association to launch a new golf cart transportation program designed to assist injured cadets navigating the Academy’s challenging terrain. Inspired by their own experiences recovering from injuries, the pair describe how persistence, collaboration, and alumni support helped turn an idea into a real resource now actively improving daily life for cadets across campus. Support this Podcast * Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887 [http://www.cgaalumni.org/1887] * Make a donation at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift [http://www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift]   Keywords Leadership, Growth, Coast Guard, Teamwork, Personal Development, Late Bloomer, Military Career, Education, Problem Solving, Mentorship Coast Guard leadership, teamwork, networking, military leadership, career development, trust building, operational excellence

Bonus: Celebrating Commencement

Editor’s Note: This episode was republished after additional audio editing to try to address sound quality issues present in the original version. It's still not perfect, but a bit better! Released on the day of their graduation from the United States Coast Guard Academy May 20, 2026, this special bonus episode of Corps Conversations captures a unique moment of transition for the cadet hosts as they prepare to commission and report to their first assignments across the fleet. Recorded shortly after Billet Night, First Class Cadets Aislinn Murray, Kevin Pandorf, Carl DiGiorgio, and Elijah Parent reflect on receiving their orders and the excitement surrounding what comes next—from afloat assignments in Key West and California to new opportunities in Deployable Specialized Forces and Coast Guard finance. Their candid conversation offers an authentic look at the anticipation, uncertainty, and pride that define the final days before commissioning. The episode also explores the mentors who shaped each cadet’s Academy journey. Through stories about officers, professors, coaches, advisors, and family members, the hosts discuss leadership, accountability, personal growth, and the importance of investing in others. Together, their reflections highlight the relationships and lessons that helped prepare them for service beyond the Academy gates. As these four cadets become Coast Guard officers, this conversation serves as both a celebration of their time at the Academy and a look ahead to the next chapter of leadership and service. Support this Podcast Make a gift during the All Class Challenge, May 19-21, 2026 at www.cgaalumni.org/ACC26 [http://www.cgaalumni.org/ACC26]

Episode 2: Navigating Uncharted Territory with Stephanie Young ’07

In this episode, Stephanie Young ’07 shares her diverse career journey from the Coast Guard to Meta, highlighting leadership, innovation, and navigating uncharted territory. A unique aspect of Stephanie Young’s career is that she was first to fill each role she’s had within both the Coast Guard and at META. Join co-hosts Cadet First-Class Carl DiGiorgio and Tara King Clark, the Alumni Association’s VP of Comms & Marketing, for an conversation that covers leadership and influence in high-stakes environments, embracing ambiguity, building for the future in both military and civilian sectors, and tips for the career transition from military to civilian sector. This episode’s Alumni Impact Interlude features 2/c Eben Castleman, the Drum Major of the Cadet Pipe & Drum Band – a new musical group that has quickly become one of the most visible on campus.   Support this Podcast * Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887 [http://www.cgaalumni.org/1887] * Make a donation at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift [http://www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift]   Keywords Coast Guard, leadership, innovation, social media, career transition, influence, ambiguity, building for the future

Episode 1: Leadership at Sea, Loss, and Showing Up with CDR Jeannie Greene ’05

Trigger Warning: We want to acknowledge that this conversation includes discussion of sensitive topics, including grief, traumatic loss, serious injury, organ donation, and suicide. We encourage you to take a pause or skip ahead if needed. These topics begin around the 37-minute mark and run through minute 58. In this episode of Corps Conversations, Commander Jeannie Greene ’05 shares her journey from a small town in Colorado to becoming a leader in the Coast Guard with co-hosts 1/c Aislinn Murray ’26 and LCDR Nick Martin ’12. She discusses her experiences at the Coast Guard Academy and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Commander Green emphasizes the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and the unique challenges faced by women in the military. She also reflects on her decision to pursue grad school and the transition to civil engineering units, highlighting the value of teamwork and the diverse roles within the Coast Guard. CDR Greene also shares her journey through the Coast Guard, highlighting her experiences at sea, in civil engineering, the challenges of transitioning to an executive officer role, and the impact of personal tragedy on her leadership. She emphasizes the importance of support systems, the healing power of service, and the lessons learned from her career and personal life. The discussion also touches on the significance of vulnerability and seeking help in difficult times, making it clear that it's okay to not be okay. This episode’s Alumni Impact Interlude features 1/c Aislinn Murray, found of the Cadets for Living Mindfully (CALM) Club. She shares the origin of the club's founding and how it was instrumental in the creation of the Wellness Room space in Chase Hall, funded by the Classes of 1984, 2004 and Lockheed Martin. If you or someone you know may need support, please consider reaching out to a trusted resource or professional.   Links Coast Guard Crisis Support Landing Page [https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/Resources/Article/2485426/crisis-support/] Learn more about the Wellness Room, supported by the Classes of 1984, 2004, and Lockheed Martin, and CALM: www.cgaalumni.org/CALM [http://www.cgaalumni.org/CALM]   Support this podcast and stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887 [http://www.cgaalumni.org/1887] Or make a donation to support this podcast at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift [http://www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift] Keywords Coast Guard, leadership, Commander Jeannie Green, nautical science, civil engineering, military academy, career journey, personal growth, mentorship, grad school, Coast Guard, leadership, civil engineering, family, transition, mental health, executive officer, service, tragedy, healing

Episode 0: A concept is born

Meet the team behind the first podcast produced by the USCGA Alumni Association.