Commander Link assumed the duties as Chief, Domestic Ports Division, within the Office of Port and Facility Compliance at Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington DC in July 2019. CG-FAC-1 leads the national program for marine transportation system (MTS) safety and security, to include cybersecurity, reducing risks to the MTS and maritime critical infrastructure. FAC-1 develops safety and security policies, guidance, and procedures for operations associated with ports and maritime critical infrastructure throughout the nation. Additionally, FAC-1 coordinates national efforts related to Marine Transportation System Recovery (MTSR), program oversight of Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSC), and the U.S. Coast Guard’s role as a Sector Risk Management Agency (SRMA) for the Transportation System Sector.

Prior to these duties, Commander Link served as the Critical Infrastructure Branch Chief in FAC-1, developing and implementing policies, guidance, and procedures for the safety and security, to include cybersecurity, of the nation’s MTS.

Commander Link was commissioned in 2003 upon graduating from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. After commissioning, his assignments include Deck Watch Officer on the 378’ cutter HAMILTON; Budget and Resource Manager in the Training Center Resource Management Office, Coast Guard Headquarters, CG-1323; Senior Command Duty Officer at Sector New York; Vessel and Facility Inspections at Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, TX; and, Waterways Management Division Chief at Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach.

During his career, Commander Link has served fourteen years in marine safety assignments, including eight years in Headquarters policy positions. In this position, he serves as a Coast Guard representative in numerous interagency and industry stakeholder workgroups, committees, and interagency policy committees.