The annual Secretary’s Awards highlight the exceptional dedication and achievements of Coast Guard members who have gone above and beyond in their service. The selection of 22 Coast Guard nominations this year recognized more than 135 individuals, both military and civilian, across the nation. These awards underscore the Coast Guard’s commitment to excellence and the remarkable efforts its members make to safeguard the nation.
The Secretary’s Awards serve as a testament to the outstanding service and dedication of Coast Guard personnel. These awards are a recognition of the hard work and commitment that Coast Guard members demonstrate daily in fulfilling their mission to protect and serve.
One of the standout recipients this year is the Leadership Development Center (LDC) Command Operations School, which received the Team Excellence Award. This award recognizes the team’s exceptional contributions to leadership development within the Coast Guard. The award is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Anne Niccoli, a beloved member and pioneer of the LDC, who tragically passed away in June 2024.
Other key contribution areas include leadership and innovation, operational excellence, community and partnership, and technical and logistical support, for which Coast Guard members are recognized.
Regional ceremonies will take place throughout the next several months across the country, telling stories of accomplishments, contributions, and the occasional heroic act. Secretary Mayorkas (2022) stated, “The accomplishments of one are made possible by the contributions of many.”
During the various ceremonies, the Coast Guard will receive recognition in the following award categories.
Exceptional Service (Gold Award)
- Lt. Lucy Wright, Enforcement Chief, Sector Key West, FL
Meritorious Service (Silver Award)
- CG Rescue 6566 (LEGACY), Egg Harbor Township, NJ
- CG Sector New York Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Detection and Mitigation Team, Various Locations
- Maritime Security Response Team East Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Team (MSRTE C-UAS Team), Chesapeake, VA
- MSU Savannah LDAC, Savannah, GA
- OSCM Jessica Montero, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Buzzards Bay, MA
- Jonathan Chargualaf, Maritime Transportation Cyber Security Specialist, Santa Rita, GU
- SCPO Kelly Dunn, MH-60T Division Asst Leading Chief Petty Officer, Clearwater, FL
- Laurence Prevost, Deputy Chief of Intelligence, Portsmouth, VA
- ScanEagle Demo Team (U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Lt. Cmdr. Karl E. Savacool
-
CPO Erikh J. Schaefer
Valor Award
Award for Leadership Excellence
Award for Innovation
Award for Team Excellence
Award for Champion of Equity
The Annual Secretary’s Awards not only celebrate the present achievements of Coast Guard members but also highlight the diverse areas where they excel. Recognizing these outstanding individuals and teams serves as a reminder of the values of dedication, excellence, and leadership they embody.
Congratulations to all award recipients! To learn more about the honorees and their contributions, watch the award ceremonies virtually. For the full list of awardees across the DHS enterprise, visit the 2024 Secretary's Awards page.
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