Coast Guard Academy Will Get Commencement Address from Biden Vice President Joe Biden welcomes the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's Class, May 22, 2013, at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. (U.S. Coast Guard/Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley) 3 May 2021 President Joe Biden will deliver the address at the Coast Guard Academy's commencement ceremony May 19, his first at a service academy as commander in chief. The ceremony marks the school's 140th graduation and Biden's second keynote address there: He spoke at the event in 2013 as vice president. Academy Superintendent Rear Adm. Bill Kelly said Monday the school is honored to host the president. "It will be a memorable event for our community, as well as a great opportunity to showcase the Academy and the city of New London on a national stage," he said.