David Brian Peterman

Obituary

D. Brian Peterman, Vice Admiral, United States Coast Guard (Retired), a distinguished leader, dedicated
public servant, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026 at the age of 75.

Brian was born on June 7, 1950, in West Chester, Pennsylvania to Bud and Norma Peterman. His family
moved to Malvern, Pennsylvania where he lived close to many family members. Brian was an Eagle Scout and
graduated college with a degree in Secondary Education Biology from West Chester University, where he met
his first wife, Linda (Hendrick). Instead of teaching, Brian went to U.S. Coast Guard Officer Candidate School
to become an officer and was commissioned in 1973. Brian’s assignments took Linda and their two daughters
across the U.S., Germany, and Jamaica. After the death of Linda, Brian raised his two daughters with
unwavering support. Brian married Allie (Langlois) in 1997 and gained a step-son and step-daughter. Brian
spent the rest of his life adventuring, exploring the world, and connecting with friends both old and new.

In his 36-year Coast Guard career, Brian rose through the ranks to become Vice Admiral, earning a reputation
as a thoughtful strategist, steady leader, and passionate advocate for maritime safety and national security.
He held numerous key operational and leadership positions. He commanded the cutters USCGC Campbell
and USCGC Woodrush and later served as Commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District in Miami,
overseeing operations across the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean. His final assignment was
Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area and U.S. Defense Force East, directing maritime security,
search and rescue, and law enforcement missions from the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf.

Supporting national security, he worked at the Military Liaison Office in Kingston, Jamaica, and later with the
U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany where he worked with African nations to help protect their
offshore fishing. At the White House, he served on the National Security Council staff and following the
September 11 attacks, as Special Assistant to the President for Borders and Transportation Security on the
Homeland Security Council.

Those who served with Brian remember him not only for his professional excellence, but for his humility,
integrity, and deep commitment to the men and women he led. He was a mentor to many and a respected
figure throughout the Coast Guard and national security community. He remained deeply proud of the service
members who continue to protect the nation’s waters. Brian earned numerous military decorations in
recognition of his service, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Coast Guard Distinguished
Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Meritorious Service Medal. He
was also awarded the Cutterman Insignia and Presidential Service Insignia.

Beyond his professional life, Brian was known for his warmth, generosity, and devotion to family and friends.
Brian was a kid at heart and could be counted on to make others laugh with his pranks and mischievous
humor. Becoming a Pop-Pop was one of his greatest joys and his grandchildren adored him as much as he did
them. Brian had many hobbies, including woodworking, playing guitar and other instruments, and fixing
anything that needed fixing. Brian loved to travel and found that Ireland captured his heart with its music,
beauty and friendly people. In later years, he and Allie lived on their boat “Knot to Worry” half of the year in
Alaska, their happy place. He wrote a love song for his boat and had his debut performance at the Barberville
Fall Jamboree, a highlight for him.

Brian is survived by his beloved family, friends, and countless colleagues whose lives he influenced
throughout his career of service. He is survived by his spouse, Allie, daughters Jennifer Peterman (Richard)
and Rebecca Peterman (Greg), step-son CJ Langlois, grandchildren Sakari Peterman, Nilani Peterman, and
Aven Powell, as well as many extended family members and friends who will carry forward his legacy of
service and kindness. He was preceded in death by parents Norma and William Peterman, brother Michael
Peterman, wife and mother of his daughters Linda Peterman, and step-daughter Nicole Langlois.

A Celebration of Life honoring Brian’s love of life will be held at a later date.
♦
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Will McLean Foundation for the Florida Sand Music Ranch
or to the Eldred Rock Lighthouse Association (where he and Allie were married) in his memory.
♦
The sea was a big part of Brian’s life. Anyone who spends years on the water understands something
important—that you cannot control every storm, but you can control how you steer through it. Brian lived that
way… calm, deliberate, and focused on the horizon ahead.

Fair winds and following seas.