Neighbor News
Long Valley resident commissioned as USCG officer
Kyra Lay earns her U.S. Coast Guard Rank.
Long Valley, NJ – 6 November 2025 – Kyra Amber Lay of Long Valley was commissioned as an
ensign in the United States Coast Guard following graduation from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy
(USCGA) in New London, Conn. The ceremony took place on 6 November at the Maritime center
on the campus of the Academy.
The commissioning marks the completion of a rigorous four-year program that develops cadets
intellectually, professionally, and physically to become leaders in the Coast Guard.
A graduate of West Morris Central High School, Ensign Lay majored in Government during her
time at the Academy. At the USCGA, Ensign Lay was involved in Cheerleading, EMT volunteer
work, as well as Delta Company duties such as drill, morale, and rifle training.
Ensign Lay began her interest in the Coast Guard with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-10 in Lake Hopatcong. There she served as secretary to the flotilla before her appointment to the
Academy. Flotilla Commander Kate Swat and past Flotilla Commander Patrick DeDeo of Flotilla 15-10 attended the commissioning ceremony.
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"Receiving my commission is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, said Ensign Lay. I am honored to serve our country and look forward to the challenges and opportunities
ahead in the U.S. Coast Guard."
Ensign Lay’s first assignment will be serving at Sector Long Island Sound in New Haven, CT in the
Incident Management Division.
Find out what's happening in Long Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is a public service academy that prepares future leaders for
service in the United States Coast Guard. The curriculum focuses on science and engineering, professional development, and rigorous physical training to create officers ready to meet the diverse missions of the Coast Guard.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer Component of the
United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary,
America's Volunteer Guardians. The Auxiliary supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the services
missions.
