Annual Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony

Keynote Address:

We're excited to welcome Captain Emily Tharp for this year's Keynote Address.

Captain Tharp assumed command of the U.S. Coast Guard Yard on June 13, 2025. She is the 45th Commanding Officer in the shipyard's 126-year history.

Captain Tharp previously served as the Industrial Manager at the Coast Guard Yard, the only full-service shipyard for the U.S. Coast Guard. Operating under a Working Capital Fund, the Yard employs over 623 civilian and military employees and executes an annual $120M portfolio of ship repair and major renovation projects.

Previous assignments, CAPT Tharp served as the Executive Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Project Resident Office in Panama City, Florida. Additionally, Captain Tharp served as Chief of the Requirements and Future Ship Concepts Branch at the Coast Guard’s Ship Design & Systems Engineering Division where she led trade studies and design concepts in support of the Polar Security Cutter Acquisition Program and the Waterway Commerce Cutter Acquisition Program.

Previous tours of duty include Program Depot Maintenance Branch Chief for the Surfaces Forces Logistics Center Icebreaker, Buoy and Construction Tender Product Line. She led a geographically dispersed workforce in support to 86 cutter and 29 barge assets from Maine to Guam. From 2003 to 2006, Captain Tharp served at Marine Safety Office New Orleans and Sector New Orleans. She was a marine investigator and inspector and spent her final year as a Sector Duty Officer during the standup of the Sector New Orleans Command Center and during Hurricane Katrina response.

Captain Tharp’s sea duty assignments include Engineer Officer aboard USCGC THETIS and Damage Control Assistant aboard USCGC POLAR STAR.

Captain Tharp is from Fredericktown, Ohio. In 2001 she earned a bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, graduating with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Industrial Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. In 2022 she earned a Master of Science Degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School in Washington D.C.

Captain Tharp’s professional recognition includes the American Society of Naval Engineers Perry Award for outstanding contributions to the Coast Guard Naval Engineering program. Her military decorations include four Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals with operational distinguishing device and designation as a Permanent Cutterman.

Special Presentation: CDR Richard Beaver, USCG

We are honored to welcome aboard CDR Richard Beaver, who served as the cutter's CO from 1982-1984.

CDR Beaver graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1964, and served his first billet as a Deck Watch Officer on USCGC Bibb (WPG-31). He served a total of seven years aboard Treasury Class cutters, including serving as WHEC-37's Executive Officer before retiring as the ship's CO. He also holds a degree from the GWU Law School, where he graduated in 1971.

MC

We welcome back Delegate Nino Mangione as our master of ceremonies for this year's commemoration. His experience as a radio personality and state delegate is a welcome addition.

Nino Mangione is a lifelong resident of Baltimore County. Coming from a large Italian family, he grew up the second of six children and one of 60 grandchildren. He began his love of country and community at a young age listening to his grandfather retell, with pride, his World War II stories of service aboard USS Caperton.

After graduating, Nino took an internship at WCBM radio and was hired by Calvert High School to coach in their soccer program. Nino took a full-time position with WCBM where he has been a voice for the people of Baltimore County, live on air for more than a decade. Nino’s experience at WCBM includes guest hosting, managing the external communications of the station and offering commentary on the relevant issues of the day.

Prior to entering elective politics, Nino had the opportunity to interview a variety of people including some of America’s top law enforcement officials and a 4-star United States General.