New London — Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver the keynote address May 18 during the Coast Guard Academy’s 141st Commencement Exercises, the academy announced Friday morning.

The commencement is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Cadet Memorial Field. It will not be open to the public.

"We are honored to host the vice president and look forward to having her present the Coast Guard's newest leaders with their commissions,” Rear Adm. Bill Kelly, academy superintendent, said in a statement. “This will also be a memorable moment for our graduates before they head out across the country and around the globe to take their places in the fleet.”

Presidents and vice presidents traditionally address the graduating class at one of the federal service academies on a rotating basis. This will be Harris’ first visit to the Coast Guard Academy. She delivered the keynote speech at the Naval Academy graduation ceremony last year.

President Joe Biden addressed Coast Guard cadets in New London last year.

In the event of inclement weather, the graduation will be held in Leamy Hall Auditorium, where seating will be limited.