About

Commander Hester currently serves as the Chief Arctic Strategist in J5/8, United States
European Command (USEUCOM).

His most recent tour was as the Operations Officer and Chief Pilot at Coast Guard Air Station
Cape Cod, Mass.

Commander Hester served aboard the Coast Guard Cutter DALLAS and has spent 16 years in various aviation tours throughout the Coast Guard as an HC-130H Aircraft Commander and Flight Examiner specializing in Search and Rescue as well as counter-narcotics and illegal migrant interdiction. In addition to Air Station Cape Cod, his tours include Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, NC where he spent 4 years flying in support of the International Ice Patrol, and Sacramento, California. He also served on exchange with the Royal Canadian Air Force at 413 Transport; Rescue Squadron in Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

Commander Hester received his commission through the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut in 1998. He holds a B.S. in Government Studies, an M.S. in Management from Liberty University, and an M.S. in Military Arts and Sciences with a focus in Homeland Security from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Commander Hester’s personal awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, two Coast
Guard Commendation Medals, and three Coast Guard Achievement Medals.