New London, CT. - Justin R. Gear of Andover Township, formerly of Byram Township, was commissioned an ensign, in the US Coast Guard during a ceremony at the Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday, Dec. 12. Justin attended elementary school in Byram Twsp. and graduated in 2002 from Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta. He earned his B.S. Degree in History and Political Science from Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa. His 1st assignment will be Sector Delaware Bay, Philadelphia. As a marine safety/security and environmental protection officer at the world’s largest freshwater port. He is a son of Ronald and Cynthia Gear of Andover Township.