In a time-honored ceremony held at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City on April 24, 2025, the Coast Guard celebrated the passing of the Ancient Albatross title, recognizing aviation excellence and leadership across generations. The outgoing Ancient Albatross, Rear Adm. Christopher A. Bartz, Department of Homeland Security Deputy Chief Information Officer, officially transferred the distinguished honor to Rear Adm. Carola List, Commander, Operational Logistics Command. Their ceremonial exchange solidifies the continuity of leadership, expertise, and service within the Coast Guard aviation community.
Presided over by Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, Acting Commandant, the event gathered senior leaders, aviators, and distinguished guests to reflect on the proud history of Coast Guard aviation and to look ahead to an energetic future.
From its earliest days, Coast Guard aviation has embodied courage, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to saving lives and protecting the nation’s shores. The Ancient Albatross award is presented to the longest-serving active-duty Coast Guard aviator, representing a lifetime of devotion to flight operations, rescue missions, and maritime safety. First established in 1966, the tradition honors aviators who have not only amassed extensive flight hours but also served as mentors, trailblazers, and stewards of excellence for the generations who follow.
The setting of the event, Air Station Elizabeth City, added special significance. Commissioned in 1940, Elizabeth City remains one of the Coast Guard’s largest and most storied aviation commands. Located not far from Kill Devil Hills, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered flight, the air station stands near the very birthplace of aviation itself. Over the decades, Air Station Elizabeth City has launched countless lifesaving missions along the Atlantic Coast and beyond, positioning the unit as a symbol of operational excellence and a training ground for the service’s top aviation professionals.
Coast Guard aviation history is rich with innovation, resilience, and heroism. From the pioneering days of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft to the deployment of advanced helicopters and fixed-wing platforms, Coast Guard aviators have been integral to search and rescue operations, disaster response efforts, homeland security missions, and international partnerships. In every generation, they have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, often risking their own lives to save others.
Today, aviation remains a vital component of the Coast Guard’s mission success. New technologies, expanded capabilities, and record-breaking accomplishments continue to drive Coast Guard aviation forward, ensuring the service remains ready to respond wherever and whenever needed.
The Ancient Albatross ceremony stands as both a celebration of the past and a call to the future, reaffirming the Coast Guard’s commitment to leadership in the skies and on the seas in service to the nation.
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