Local U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Doug Kaup will be playing a lead role in a dramatic redesign that will transform the Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest. Fundamental structural shifts will soon take place in the upper ranks of Coast Guard leadership, and will change everything for Group Astoria. The move is part of a Coast Guardwide transformation that began after 9/11 which will soon concentrate more leadership in Astoria and shift it away from Portland.
The new organization will eliminate Group Astoria, leaving Air Station Astoria in place; bring about 35 new Coast Guard jobs to the area during the next year; control Columbia River Bar closures locally; and move a key shipping security role from Portland to Astoria.