NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) _ The country’s highest-ranking military officer is coming to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London to deliver an address.

The office of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, says the visit is an opportunity to meet academy cadets, faculty and staff.

The topic of his address scheduled for Thursday afternoon is: “Being ready, trust and uncommon profession.”

The academy has about 1,030 cadets in its four-year program. Students graduate with a bachelor of science degree and an obligation to serve five years in the Coast Guard.