Commander Seth J. Denning, Commanding Officer
USCGC ALEX HALEY (WMEC-39)

CDR White
CDR Denning assumed command of USCGC ALEX HALEY in July 2015. He reported from USCGC MELLON (WHEC 717) homeported in Seattle, Washington, where he served as the Executive Officer. His other operational tours include Engineer Officer of USCGC MELLON (WHEC 717) and Damage Control Assistant onboard USCGC MIDGETT (WHEC 726) also homeported in Seattle, Washington. CDR Denning proudly became a permanent cutterman in 2013 and brings a balanced passion for operations and crew readiness while exploring Alaska’s beautiful waters..

His most recent ashore assignment includes Section Chief, WMSL Engineering Systems and Equipment for Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC) Long Range Enforcer Product Line (LREPL) in Oakland, California. During this tour, he established sustainment support for the National Security Cutters. Additionally, CDR Denning fulfilled the Boat Program Manager for the Office of Naval Engineering (CG-45) at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC. He directed engineering and logistics support for the Coast Guard’s fleet of 1,800 boats. After his initial afloat tour, he was a port engineer at Naval Engineering Support Unit (NESU) Seattle, where he coordinated and oversaw depot level maintenance for all D13 and D17 buoy tenders. 
CDR Denning hails from Yarmouth, Maine and graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. In 2003, he earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. His military awards include: five Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, Unit Commendation, and various other unit and special operations awards.

CDR Denning married the former Miss Kristine Freese, a native of Bloomington, Minnesota. They have a daughter, Laila, and two sons, Nathan and Gavin. They enjoy outdoor activities, being a part of their community and learning the Alaska lifestyle.