Class of 2023 graduates from Coast Guard Academy

NEW LONDON, CT (WFSB) - The Coast Guard has some new officers.

The class of 2023 graduated on Tuesday from the Coast Guard Academy in New London.

11 of the 235 cadets commissioned to officers were from Connecticut.

Aidan Arsenault is one of the 11 from Connecticut who graduated from the academy. To make the day even more special, his father Alan was there to help commission him.

“I was up there 35 years ago. The Coast Guard has been in our blood forever and it’s a proud moment for our whole family,” said Alan Arsenault. “My grandfather presented my commission back in 1988, he served in three wars, he was an amazing man so it was great to do that for my son.”

Aidan will soon head to Key West with his fiancé, who also graduated from the academy.

After 200 weeks of training, the graduating class can say goodbye to the title cadet, and hello to the title officer.

Cadets heard from the Department of Homeland Security secretary during their commencement ceremony. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas delivered the keynote address.

“You are guardians of and can bring honor to the 232 years of history that have made our Coast Guard the proud noble military service that it is,” said Mayorkas.

2023′s graduating class was diverse.

41 percent were women and 31 percent were from underrepresented groups.

2023 also has a class motto: “All together”.

The new officers have a 30 day break before they begin their new assignment.

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