(a) The President may appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard who shall rank next after the area commanders and who shall perform duties as prescribed by the Commandant.

The Chief of Staff shall be appointed from the officers on the active duty promotion list serving above the grade of captain.

The Commandant shall make recommendations for the appointment. (b) The Chief of Staff shall have the grade of vice admiral with the pay and allowances of that grade.

The appointment and grade of the Chief of Staff shall be effective on the date the officer assumes that duty, and shall terminate on the date the officer is detached from that duty, except as provided in section 51(d) of this title.