Henry Bigelow Ward

Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Henry “Bo” Ward, a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, earned his commission on November 25, 2014, upon graduating from Officer Candidate School Class 1-15. Following commissioning, he reported to USCGC JAMES (WMSL 754) in Charleston, South Carolina, as a plank owner crew member, serving as both Deck Watch Officer and Communications Officer.

He later served as Executive Officer aboard USCGC CHANDELEUR (WPB 1319) in Valdez, Alaska, where he led operations focused on fisheries law enforcement and search and rescue throughout the Sector Anchorage area of responsibility.

Subsequently, LCDR Ward reported to U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in the Office of Maritime Law Enforcement, where he served as a policy analyst for the Living Marine Resources Enforcement Division. In this role, he led the development of policy to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas.

On July 23, 2021, LCDR Ward assumed command of USCGC JOSEPH TEZANOS (WPC 1118) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Under his leadership, the cutter interdicted more than 3,400 kilograms of cocaine, with a street value of $78.5 million, and prevented over 500 illegal migrants and 33 drug smugglers from entering Puerto Rico.

Following his command, LCDR Ward completed a one-year assignment at the National Intelligence University, where he earned a Master of Science and Technology Intelligence degree with a concentration in Emerging Technology and Geostrategic Resources. He then reported back to Coast Guard Headquarters as Program Manager for the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Program. Most recently, LCDR Ward was selected to help stand up the new CG-23 division, where he led the establishment of the Office of Intelligence Operations and Integration.

LCDR Ward graduated from the College of Charleston in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Before joining the Coast Guard, he worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service under NOAA as both an at-sea and shoreside federal fisheries observer.

LCDR Ward has been selected to serve as Executive Officer of USCGC RELIANCE (WMEC 615), homeported in Pensacola, Florida.

His awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Armed Forces Service Medal, two Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbons, and the permanent Cutterman’s Pin.

LCDR Ward is married to the former Sarah Whitney Posey. They have two daughters: Millie (6) and Cooper (5).