Coast Guard

LCDR Roberto Clemente Concepcion

LCDR Roberto Clemente Concepcion currently serves as the Maritime Safety and Security Team and Canine Explosives Detection Program Manager at Coast Guard Headquarters in the Office of Armed Specialized Capabilities. The Coast Guard’s response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks prompted LCDR Concepcion to join the U.S. Coast Guard, as he wanted to serve his country as a first responder to protect the nation’s ports and waterways from terrorist attacks and save lives. LCDR Concepcion received his commission from Officer Candidate School in 2007 and reported to Integrated Support Command Alameda in Alameda, CA, where he managed a physical security program on Coast Guard Island responsible for the security of 3,000 people at 15 tenant commands, including three flag officers and their visiting dignitaries.

In 2008, LCDR Concepcion joined the Deployable Specialized Forces where he led a contingent in the North Arabian Gulf in support of U.S. Central Command’s Combined Task Force 151 counter piracy mission. His team’s efforts resulted in the apprehension and prosecution of 17 Somali pirates and provided security in a high threat area of Iraq for over 300 tons of crude oil. In 2012, LCDR Concepcion served as the East Central Regional Leader and Officer Programs Coordinator at U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Command in Arlington, VA. He was directly responsible for the mission planning, training, and oversight of all recruiting operations spanning 16 states throughout the Midwest.

In 2013, LCDR Concepcion served as a White House Social Aide assigned to attend to the personal needs of visiting dignitaries at the White House and to facilitate interactions with the President of the United States and the First Lady. In 2015, LCDR Concepcion served as a Command Duty Officer at Rescue Sub-Center San Juan in San Juan, PR; responsible for directing all Search and Rescue, Counter-Drug and Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations, Ports Waterways and Coastal Security, and Marine Environmental Response with 18 nations, 5 foreign Rescue Coordination Centers, and 25 Federal and local agencies.

He earned a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2015. He also earned a Masters of Arts in International Relations and International Affairs from Salve Regina University in 2016.

LCDR Concepcion was the recipient of the HENAAC STEM Military Hero Award in 2013 and the 2019 CAPT Edward R. Williams Award for Excellence in Diversity. His personal awards include four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement  Medals, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

LCDR Concepcion has worked with several youth programs including the Kappa Instructional Leadership League that focuses on training and mentoring young men between grades 6th-12th on leadership, personal development, academic achievement and college/career preparation. He enjoys playing baseball and volunteers coaching a 11U Girls Fastpitch softball team in his spare time.

He currently resides in Arlington, VA with his wife, LT Megan Concepcion and his children Gabrielle, Roberto, and Nadia.