PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Coast Guard Vice Adm. D. Brian Peterman, a Malvern, Penn., native, retired from the Coast Guard after 36 years of service during a ceremony at Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Portsmouth, today.

Peterman served the last two years of his almost 36-year career in Portsmouth as the commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, overseeing all Coast Guard operations this half the globe, from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf.

Peterman said one of the things he's most proud of accomplishing during his command was improving the methods used to identify maritime security priorities within his area of responsibility.

"After 9-11 we were trying to protect everything but didn't have enough resources to do that," he said, "but now we really are protecting those very critical things that are important to the United States economy and the safety of our citizens."

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen officiated the ceremony and oversaw the change of command as Peterman was relieved by Vice Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr.

Peterman and his family plan to retire to Florida.

PORTSMOUTH, VA. - Coast Guard Vice Adm. D. Brian Peterman (right) is presented with the national ensign by Lt. Christopher Vargo during a retirement ceremony held at Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Portsmouth, Va., today. Peterman retired as Commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Defense Force East after 36 years of Coast Guard service. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/ Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Henise)

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