Boatswain’s Mate Chief Kent Shafer enlisted in the Coast Guard in August 1988 from his home state of Colorado. Chief Shafer’s operational experience includes service on the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea and spans four different classes of cutters, a small boat station, and as an aid to a navigation team. While assigned to an instructor billet, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree, subsequently leaving the service for several years to pursue opportunities as a trainer and instructional designer in the corporate sector. Since returning to active duty, Chief Shafer’s assignments have included a command cadre position and an M.S. program in Instructional Systems.  

Chief Shafer’s awards include the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, and various service and unit awards. He is married to the former Noel Shafer of Berthoud, Colorado. They have two children, Kendall and Quinton, and reside in the New London area.