Mark A. Spillane, a native of Manchester Connecticut, enlisted in the Coast Guard in April 1988 and was first assigned to the Cutter Steadfast in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 1990 he was assigned to Station Yankeetown, Florida, where he earned his qualification as a 41 foot UTB Coxn. While assigned to Station Ocean City, Maryland, in 1993, he became certified as a 44 foot MLB Coxswain. In 1996, he was assigned to the Cutter Padre in Key West, Florida, where he served as a Deck Watch Officer. In 1997, he was assigned to the Cutter Point Francis in New London, Connecticut, where he served as the Executive Petty Officer. In 1999, he started his first tour at Station Hobucken, North Carolina, where he served as the Executive Petty Officer. In 2003, Chief Petty Officer Spillane remained at Station Hobucken and served as the Officer in Charge until 2005. In 2005 Chief Spillane was transferred to Station Wachapreague on Virginia's Eastern Shore as Officer in Charge. In June of 2009 Chief Spillane transferred to Station Vallejo, California, where he served as Officer in Charge. Chief Spillane is a graduate of the CPO Academy Class 151 and is pursuing an associate's degree in Emergency Medical Services. He is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and holds a U. S. Merchant Marine Officer's License endorsed to 100 gross tons. Chief Spillane currently resides in Suisun City, California with his wife Cynthia who works as an Emergency Room Nurse. Mark Spillane retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2017.