President Obama Will Address Coast Guard Commencement

The keynote speaker for this year's Coast Guard Academy commencement comes straight from the top.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to deliver the address to the graduating class on May 18. The address will take place at 11 a.m. at Cadet Memorial Field, but will be moved to Leamy Hall Auditorium in the event of inclement weather.

"Every commencement is a special occasion, but it is a particularly momentous event when the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces presents the commissions to the Coast Guard's newest ensigns,” said Coast Guard Academy Superintendent Rear Adm. Scott Burhoe, adding, “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the Coast Guard Academy and the city of New London.”

The President of the United States typically addresses the graduates of one of the federal service academies each year. In 2010, President Obama delivered the address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. President George W. Bush was the last Commander-in-Chief to address the Coast Guard Academy graduating class, doing so in 2007.

According to the Coast Guard Academy Office of Public Affairs, cadets and faculty may attend the event and distribute a limited number of tickets to friends and family.