Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC) David Michael Ramsey is a highly decorated, retired U.S. Coast Guardveteran who holds the elite, rarely achieved Surfman Designation (#374). Earning this pinnacle qualification on March 10, 2006, at the historic Cape Disappointment, he is certified to command heavy motor lifeboats (including 47-foot and 52-foot MLBs) through extreme breaking surf and life-threatening maritime environments. [1, 2, 3]

Over a distinguished 20-year military career, Chief Ramsey amassed a comprehensive list of leadership, law enforcement, and specialized operational qualifications: [1]

Core Military & Maritime Qualifications

• Surfman Designation (#374): The highest small-boat handling certification in the Coast Guard, indicating absolute mastery of heavy-weather search and rescue operations.
• Chief Boatswain’s Mate (BMC): Advanced military leadership certification denoting mastery in deck logistics, tactical command, physical security, and personnel management.
• 100-Ton MMD Captain’s License: Held a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) master’s license from 2005 to 2021. [1]
• Ready for Operations (RFO) Inspector: Certified to evaluate unit readiness, compliance, and operational standards across Coast Guard assets. [1]
• Chief of Operations: Served as the operational leader for the largest enlisted unit in the Coast Guard.[1]

Law Enforcement & Tactical Training

• Federal Law Enforcement Officer (FLEO): Fully certified maritime boarding officer authorized to conduct border protection, tactical interdictions, and safety sweeps.
• Small Arms Instructor: Certified to train and qualify military personnel in the tactical use and safety of small arms weapons.
• Force Manager: Experienced in the strategic allocation, capability tracking, and management of operational forces. [1]

Advanced Service Schools

• USCG Chiefs Academy: Completed advanced leadership and institutional management training (Altus Tendo).
• USAF Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA): Graduated from the Air Force’s joint-enlisted professional military education program.
• Instructor Development School: Certified in curriculum design and advanced educational instructional techniques.
• Advanced Outdoor Film and Production School: Trained in specialized media and recording techniques in severe outdoor environments. [1]

Notable Honors & Historical Milestones

• DHS Founding Member: A recognized operational contributor to the initial infrastructure integration of the Department of Homeland Security post-9/11.
• ARAS Gold Medal Recipient: Awarded the prestigious Association for Rescues at Sea Gold Medalin Washington, D.C., for heroic life-saving actions, alongside numerous other lifesaving medals.
• Disaster Response Leader: Commanded heavy-weather surface rescues and crisis mitigation during catastrophic events, including Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, as well as Texas Gulf Coast industrial oil spill containment operations. [1]