Lawrence “Larry” Peranto, United States Coast Guard
Assistant Director of Maintenance, Guardian Flight
Military service runs in Lawrence “Larry” Peranto’s family. His father served in the Air Force and his grandfather retired from the Army. Carrying on that tradition was something Larry was proud to do.
When it came time to choose his own path, Larry was drawn to the U.S. Coast Guard because of its unique mission to safeguard lives, property and the environment. Its blend of maritime safety, national security and humanitarian response aligned perfectly with his desire to make a meaningful impact both at home and abroad.
Over 27 years in the Coast Guard, Larry advanced from aviation maintenance technician to aviation maintenance officer, overseeing air station maintenance departments and supporting the MH-60 helicopter fleet across multiple units. In this role, he was responsible for the comprehensive maintenance and repair of all systems on MH-60 helicopters.
His service spanned the Western Hemisphere—from Aruba and the Bahamas to Haiti, Cuba and beyond. Yet his most memorable and impactful experience occurred closer to home. As a helicopter aircrewman, Larry was among the first to arrive in New Orleans just after Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Amid overwhelming devastation, he and his team worked tirelessly to rescue survivors, deliver aid and bring relief to thousands in need.
After nearly three decades of service, Larry made the difficult decision to transition out of the military, a choice driven by his desire for a new lifestyle, personal growth and more quality time with loved ones. He saw this as an opportunity to explore a new career path, embrace stability and create meaningful memories with his family while stepping into the next chapter of life.
Today, as assistant director of maintenance at Guardian Flight, Larry works hand-in-hand with an exceptional team to lead the maintenance department. Together, they manage all aircraft operations, ensure regulatory compliance, support technician training, and collaborate across departments to uphold Guardian Flight’s uncompromising standards of safety and reliability.
What was your rank?
“Chief Warrant Officer 3.”
Is there anything you miss about serving?
“What I miss most are the people, their conversations, jokes, pranks, shared moments and the sense of belonging they gave me. Serving alongside such a dedicated group created a camaraderie that felt like family. We supported each other through both the challenges and the triumphs, building friendships forged in unique and sometimes difficult circumstances. The late-night talks, the inside jokes that only fellow service members understood and the mutual trust developed during demanding missions are things I deeply cherish. There’s something truly special about the way we came together as a team, working toward a common goal and knowing you could always count on those around you. It’s a bond that lasts forever, and even now, I find myself reflecting fondly on those connections and the lifelong friendships that grew out of shared experiences in service.”
How did your military training prepare you for your current role?
“The teamwork and leadership skills I developed in the military help me effectively manage and motivate our maintenance team, coordinate complex schedules and respond quickly to unexpected challenges. Additionally, my experience in disaster relief and search and rescue operations, such as responding to Hurricane Katrina, strengthened my problem-solving abilities and adaptability, which are invaluable in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment at GMR. The hands-on involvement in locating and assisting individuals in need during critical situations taught me how to remain calm under pressure and make quick, effective decisions. Ultimately, my military background has equipped me to lead with confidence, uphold rigorous standards and support both my team and the organization’s mission.”
When it came time to choose his own path, Larry was drawn to the U.S. Coast Guard because of its unique mission to safeguard lives, property and the environment. Its blend of maritime safety, national security and humanitarian response aligned perfectly with his desire to make a meaningful impact both at home and abroad.
Over 27 years in the Coast Guard, Larry advanced from aviation maintenance technician to aviation maintenance officer, overseeing air station maintenance departments and supporting the MH-60 helicopter fleet across multiple units. In this role, he was responsible for the comprehensive maintenance and repair of all systems on MH-60 helicopters.
His service spanned the Western Hemisphere—from Aruba and the Bahamas to Haiti, Cuba and beyond. Yet his most memorable and impactful experience occurred closer to home. As a helicopter aircrewman, Larry was among the first to arrive in New Orleans just after Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Amid overwhelming devastation, he and his team worked tirelessly to rescue survivors, deliver aid and bring relief to thousands in need.
After nearly three decades of service, Larry made the difficult decision to transition out of the military, a choice driven by his desire for a new lifestyle, personal growth and more quality time with loved ones. He saw this as an opportunity to explore a new career path, embrace stability and create meaningful memories with his family while stepping into the next chapter of life.
Today, as assistant director of maintenance at Guardian Flight, Larry works hand-in-hand with an exceptional team to lead the maintenance department. Together, they manage all aircraft operations, ensure regulatory compliance, support technician training, and collaborate across departments to uphold Guardian Flight’s uncompromising standards of safety and reliability.
What was your rank?
“Chief Warrant Officer 3.”
Is there anything you miss about serving?
“What I miss most are the people, their conversations, jokes, pranks, shared moments and the sense of belonging they gave me. Serving alongside such a dedicated group created a camaraderie that felt like family. We supported each other through both the challenges and the triumphs, building friendships forged in unique and sometimes difficult circumstances. The late-night talks, the inside jokes that only fellow service members understood and the mutual trust developed during demanding missions are things I deeply cherish. There’s something truly special about the way we came together as a team, working toward a common goal and knowing you could always count on those around you. It’s a bond that lasts forever, and even now, I find myself reflecting fondly on those connections and the lifelong friendships that grew out of shared experiences in service.”
How did your military training prepare you for your current role?
“The teamwork and leadership skills I developed in the military help me effectively manage and motivate our maintenance team, coordinate complex schedules and respond quickly to unexpected challenges. Additionally, my experience in disaster relief and search and rescue operations, such as responding to Hurricane Katrina, strengthened my problem-solving abilities and adaptability, which are invaluable in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment at GMR. The hands-on involvement in locating and assisting individuals in need during critical situations taught me how to remain calm under pressure and make quick, effective decisions. Ultimately, my military background has equipped me to lead with confidence, uphold rigorous standards and support both my team and the organization’s mission.”
