The Promotion of Retired USMC General John Kelly on 28 July 2017 from the Secretary of Homeland Security to the White House Chief of Staff has left the SEC DHS Position vacant.



Admiral Thad Allen served as the 23rd Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, from 2006 to 2010, culminating his 39 years of active service. He served as the Atlantic Area Commander during September 11th, oversaw the transition of the Coast Guard into the newly created DHS in 2002, and as the Coast Guard Chief of Staff, oversaw the Coast Guard's response to Hurricane Katrina. He remained in active service after being relieved by Admiral Robert Papp as Commandant to continue to oversee the nation's response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Admiral Allen was present for and instrumental in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and commanded one of the largest organizations within the department. After his retirement, he remains a contributor to the the department as a member of the President's Homeland Security Advisory Council, and has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service by George Washington University. He is widely respected by many Coast Guardsmen who served under his leadership. He was a popular choice to be considered for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security by many in the Coast Guard during the President's initial cabinet selection process, and the President considered him as a potential Secretary of Veteran's Affairs.



At a time when the nation needs experienced leaders more than ever, who will put the best interests of the American People first, and a time when the Coast Guard is in critical need of a strong voice in our government, Admiral Allen would be an overwhelmingly qualified, experienced, and appropriate choice for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thad_Allen

https://www.uscg.mil/history/allen/AllenTWindex.asp

https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography-View/Article/602793/