701-C LLC
MEET THE TEAM
Admiral (Ret.) Charles “Charlie” Ray
Admiral (Ret.) Charles Ray serves as Senior Homeland Security Advisor for 701C LLC, bringing over four decades of leadership experience in maritime security, national defense, and global operations.
Admiral Ray retired in 2021 as the 31st Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, where he served as Deputy Service Chief and Senior Acquisition Official during a period of historic modernization and recapitalization. He played a key role in advancing shipbuilding, infrastructure investment, and operational readiness, while leading policy development supporting search and rescue, law enforcement, and homeland security missions, including major DHS surge operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and along the U.S. southern border.
Previously, as Deputy Commandant for Operations, he established operational strategy and policy aligned with national security priorities. He also commanded Coast Guard forces across the Pacific Area and led international engagements in the North Pacific and Arctic, coordinating with global partners including China and Russia. His joint and interagency experience includes serving as Director of the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission to the Ministry of Interior and as Military Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
A career Coast Guard aviator, Admiral Ray logged over 5,000 helicopter flight hours and was recognized as the Service’s longest-serving aviator, earning the title of “Ancient Albatross.”