Louisiana: Admiral Ends Role

Thad W. Allen, the retired Coast Guard admiral leading the federal response to the BP oil spill, stepped down as planned on Friday, transferring oversight duties to Rear Adm. Paul Zukunft. Admiral Allen, left, has been a familiar face on television and a target of criticism and praise for the federal government’s actions. He made significant changes in the response command structure, a reorganization that was broadly welcomed by residents and local officials. “At a time when he could have enjoyed a well-deserved retirement from the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Allen stepped up to the plate and served his country when his skills and experience were urgently needed,” President Obama said in a statement.