Vincent W. Patton III
November 21, 1954
the first African American selected as the service’s senior-most enlisted ranking position as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard in 1998.
Education
Patton’s journey toward excellence began at Cass Technical High School, where he graduated in 1972. During his high school years, he was an active member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC), laying the foundation for his future in the military. His commitment to education led him to attain a Doctor of Education degree in 1984 from the American University in Washington, DC. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Shaw College in Detroit, Michigan, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Pacific Union College in Angwin, California.
Career
Throughout his illustrious career, Vincent W. Patton III achieved numerous milestones and served in various critical roles both afloat and ashore across the United States. His dedication to duty extended beyond national borders, as he also undertook a joint military service assignment in Cuba and Haiti.
Notably, in 1998, Vincent W. Patton III made history by becoming the first African American to hold the esteemed position of Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. Serving in this capacity from May 1998 to October 2002, he emerged as a trailblazer and a role model. As the highest-ranking enlisted leader and ombudsman of the Coast Guard, he provided invaluable counsel and guidance to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, his directorates, and the Secretaries of Transportation and Defense.
Honors and Awards
Vincent W. Patton III’s outstanding contributions to the United States Coast Guard and his groundbreaking achievements have earned him the respect and recognition of his peers and the nation.
Legacy
Vincent W. Patton III’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to duty, leadership, and breaking down barriers. As the first African American to reach the highest enlisted rank in the Coast Guard, he paved the way for future generations, inspiring them to reach for the stars and shatter ceilings of limitation. His dedication to education and service remains a shining example of the values that define the United States Coast Guard. Vincent W. Patton III’s impact on the Coast Guard and the nation endures as a testament to the power of perseverance and excellence.