Last call! Nominations for the 2024 United States Interdiction Coordinator (USIC) Awards, which recognize the outstanding achievements of law enforcement agencies in interdicting illegal drugs are due Mar. 14.
These awards – the Oscars, if you will, of drug interdiction efforts – are a great opportunity to gain White House recognition for the amazing work done by Coast Guard units. Last year, the crew of Coast Guard Cutter James claimed these honors for the successful seizure of 3,863 lbs of cocaine after a watch stander spotted the target amidst heavy seas and the crew engaged in a counter-drug pursuit. In 2021, the Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) won the award in for a challenging nighttime pursuit of two suspicious vessels that netted 1,500 kg of cocaine.
Rear Adm. Adam A. Chamie encouraged Coast Guard units to step forward with nominations. “Through their relentless dedication and commitment, Coast Guard units continue to lead the fight against transnational criminal organizations by securing our borders and controlling our maritime approaches,” he said. “We’ve been honored to see Coast Guard units earn this recognition in the past and I encourage units to submit nominations and be recognized for the incredible work being done by our crews every day.”
The annual USIC awards are sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). They recognize individuals and units who have shown exceptional innovation, tactics, and results in interdicting illicit drugs, precursor chemicals, and money derived from illicit drug activities or dismantling key drug trafficking organizations.
To qualify for the 2024 awards, the action must have occurred from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024. Nominations of Coast Guard law enforcement designated units will be reviewed and submitted to ONDCP by COMDT (CG-MLE-3). These nominations must be sent via email to: HQS-DG-LST-CG-MLE-3@USCG.MIL by the close of business on Friday, March 14, 2025. Nominations that arrive after that date, or that do not comply with the prescribed format, may not be considered.
You can find details on award categories and memorandum requirements at to the COMDT (CG-MLE-3) portal page.
Award nominations for USIC categories that are not law enforcement related (i.e. Cyber, Intelligence, Finance, Investigations) should be submitted directly to the USIC Awards POC listed in the announcement memo. No CG-MLE review is required for those non-enforcement categories.
A USIC awards panel will review the nominations and recommend award winners to the Director of ONDCP, for final approval. The awards panel may recommend multiple awards, or no awards, in a particular category. Award winners will be announced in the spring of 2025. The USIC intends to host a recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. in mid-2025. Award recipient per diem and travel expenses related to the awards ceremony will be the responsibility of the recipient or their organization. Please do not submit any nominations that are sensitive in nature or pending adjudication.
For more information contact Lt. Phil Azzari at (202) 372-2177 or Phillip.J.Azzari@uscg.mil.
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