Obama taps Papp to helm Coast Guard

Obama taps Papp to helm Coast Guard    The White House said President Barack Obama intends to nominate Vice Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. as commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard to relieve Adm. Thad Allen in May 2010.
   Papp, who must be confirmed by the Senate, is commander of the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area and Defense Force East responsible for all Coast Guard missions in the eastern half of the world, including anti-piracy operations around the Horn of Africa. He previously served as the sea service's chief of staff in Washington.
   Papp served as Ninth Coast Guard District commander from 2004-2006. He was promoted to flag rank in October 2002 and appointed director of reserve and training. His Coast Guard career includes extensive tours on both land and sea including service on six Coast Guard cutters and posts such as chief of the Capabilities Branch in the Defense Operations Division; chief of the Fleet Development Team; and chief of the Coast Guard's Office of Congressional Affairs.
   He is a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and holds a masters degree in national security studies from the U.S. Naval War College.