PW’s Chase Welliver selected for United States Coast Guard Academy

by Abby Nye, PWHS Class of 2025

Every year, more than 10,000 students inquire about admissions to the United States Coast Guard Academy, but only 250 are accepted. This year, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School senior Chase Welliver is proud to be among them.

Recently, retired United States Coast Guard Captain Greg Johnson presented Chase with a coveted appointment to the Coast Guard Academy’s Class of 2029.

“Unlike our sister military academies, there are no congressional nominations; Coast Guard Academy appointments are awarded based solely on merit,” Captain Johnson explained. “Therefore, the most qualified applicants across the nation are selected through a very comprehensive review process.”

Chase first learned about the Coast Guard only a few years ago. “I had previously had no interest in ever joining the military, but when I first learned about the Coast Guard, I was deeply moved and inspired by the work they do, not only for the American people, but also for nations abroad,” he said.

The years following the COVID-19 pandemic solidified his decision, as the idea of a traditional desk job lost its appeal. Now, by attending the Coast Guard Academy, Chase will earn a Bachelor of Science degree and, upon graduation, become an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard.

“The decision came after much questioning and evaluation,” Chase added. “I wanted to make sure this was the right commitment for me, especially since it’s a minimum nine-year service obligation.”

Chase’s journey will begin on June 30 with a rigorous seven-week training program, similar to traditional boot camp. He’ll also have the opportunity to sail along the West Coast this summer before officially beginning the academic year at the Academy.

Congratulations, Chase!

United States Coast Guard Captain Greg Johnson's full address:

As a 1972 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and on behalf of Rear Admiral Johnston, Superintendent of the Academy, I have the distinct honor to present to one of your classmates a coveted appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy Class of 2029.

The Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, is ranked among the nation’s most prestigious and selective institutions of higher learning. It is a four-year academic and military college educating future leaders for the United States Coast Guard and for our nation. Founded in 1876, CGA is the smallest of our nation’s five federal service academies.

Each year approximately 10,000 students inquire about admissions and typically 2000 to 3000 complete the application process. Of those, this year 250 will receive and accept an appointment. Each one will be sworn in during the first week of this July to the Class of 2029 and begin a very challenging seven-week introduction to military life and prepare them for their first academic year, which begins in mid-August. Unlike our sister military academies, there are no congressional nominations; Coast Guard Academy appointments are awarded based solely on merit. Therefore, the most qualified applicants across the nation are selected through a very comprehensive review process.

The Coast Guard Academy provides a secure, supportive and highly structured environment for a unique year-round higher education experience focusing on academics, athletics, leadership and professional military development. Upon completion of four rigorous years of academics and professional instruction, cadets will graduate debt free, with a Bachelor of Science degree in their chosen field, granted a regular commission as Ensign, United States Coast Guard, and be fully prepared to uphold the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard Officer Corps. This four-year scholarship is valued at over $300,000. All is not totally free, however. Each graduate is obligated to serve five years as an officer in the CG. But it is interesting, 80% of graduates choose to serve beyond their five-year commitment because they love what they are doing and serving their country.

As the state representative of the Coast Guard Academy Admissions Office, it is my privilege to recognize Mr. Chase Welliver, who has received and accepted his appointment as a Cadet, United States Coast Guard Academy, Class of 2029. Congratulations, Chase.