Homeland Security Official Takes Over As Coast Guard Admiral In Alameda

ALAMEDA. CA — The military advisor to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will be the new admiral of the Coast Guard District based in Alameda.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Novak will take command of Coast Guard Southwest District at 10 a.m. Tuesday on Coast Guard Island, the service announced Saturday.

Novak relieves Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella who has held the post since July 2024.

Novak will be responsible for the coastal and offshore waters of California out over a thousand miles and the offshore waters of Mexico and Central America as far as South America, according to the Coast Guard.

In addition to its traditional search and rescue roles, "Coast Guard and U.S. Navy assets under the tactical control of the district interdict illegal drugs and migrants that are attempted to be smuggled into the country," the command said.

Novak's previous responsibility was to provide counsel to the leaders of Homeland Security regarding policies, plans, and other affairs between DHS and the Department of Defense, according to his Homeland Security biography.

The Coast Guard Southwest District helps protect six major ports including San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, Oakland, and Richmond.

Novak's new post includes responsibility for Coast Guard operations in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

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