Shoulder Boards Replace Collar Devices

Mark Senna went from being an enlisted man to a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard on Sunday afternoon.

The Barrington native who now lives in East Providence, where he is also stationed at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England in East Providence, was officially promoted from Chief Petty Officer to Chief Warrant Officer.

“I went from being part of the enlisted core to becoming an officer,” said Senna.

Senna received his commission at a ceremony at the Barrington Democratic Club, where he is a 20-year member and current treasurer. He was joined at the ceremony by the members of his Coast Guard unit, family and friends. 

Commander Paul Lattanzi read the commission as the sector’s senior Coast Guard officer in Rhode Island. Senna was then re-sworn in and administered the oath. 

At that point, his Chief Petty Officer collar devices were removed and his officer shoulder boards were attached to his uniform by his 8-year-old son, Mark, and a neighbor, Frank Giordano – a World War II and Korean War veteran.

“He’s been very active in veterans affairs,” said Senna. “It meant a lot to him and to me.”

Senna said becoming a Coast Guard officer is like a dream come true. But it is still a bit bittersweet.

"I will be moving to New Orleans later this summer," he said, leaving behind a lot of great friends and Democratic Club members.