ALCOAST 105/18 - MAR 2018 ASSOCIATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA GOLD AND SILVER AWARDS

united states coast guard

R 271109 MAR 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-5R//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N16100//
ALCOAST 105/18
COMDTNOTE 16100
SUBJ:  ASSOCIATION FOR RESCUE AT SEA GOLD AND SILVER AWARDS
A. Recognition Programs Manual, COMDTINST M1650.26 (series)
B. Auxiliary Manual, COMDTINST M16790.1 (series)
1. This ALCOAST solicits for nominees for the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) 2017 Awards.
2. Background.
   a. Formed in 1976, AFRAS is a non-profit foundation that supports services concerned with
saving lives at sea. The AFRAS awards program provides the opportunity for Area and District
Commanders, Commanding Officers and Officers-in-Charge to recognize deserving Coast Guard
personnel for bravery in the conduct of search and rescue missions.
   b. The AFRAS Gold and Silver Medals are the highest search and rescue awards presented to a
Coast Guard member by a civilian organization.
     (1) Gold Medal. Established in 1982, the Gold Medal is presented annually to a Coast Guard
enlisted person for an act of extraordinary bravery during a rescue at sea.
     (2) Silver Medal. Established in 2000, the Silver Medal (silver reflects the distinctive
Auxiliary uniform) is presented annually to a deserving Coast Guard Auxiliarist (a collective
nomination may be submitted for members of the same boat or air crew). The nominee must have
performed a rescue involving lives saved in either inland or coastal waters where the heroic
action of the nominee was uniquely distinguished. However, consideration will be given to all
maritime rescues involving life-threatening situations.
3. Awards presentation. Both the Gold and Silver Medals will be presented on 13 September 2018
at a ceremony in Washington, DC. Ceremony participants include congressional representatives,
AFRAS leadership, Commandant of the Coast Guard and other senior Coast Guard leaders. Award
recipients will be honored at the ceremony and family members are invited to attend.
4. AFRAS award eligibility. AFRAS selects recipients from among nominations submitted. Award
criteria are set forth in REF (A) and reiterated below.
   a. Gold Medal nominees must be enlisted members on active duty at the time of the rescue
being recognized. Silver Medal nominees must be Coast Guard Auxiliarists at the time of the
rescue being recognized.
   b. The response must involve a lifesaving rescue from the perils of the sea where the
heroic actions of the nominee are uniquely distinguished. However, consideration will be given
to all rescues involving life threatening situations.
   c. Nominations must be for Calendar Year 2017 rescues.
5. Administration.
   a. Units are encouraged to submit nominations to COMDT (CG-SAR) via their chain of command.
District awards boards should review all nominations to ensure compliance with the above
criteria. Silver Medal nominations shall be submitted IAW REF (B), Section 11.C.7.
   b. Nominations shall consist of:
     (1) A cover letter identifying the nominee and pay grade (it applicable), current duty
station/Auxiliary Flotilla, and expiration of enlistment (if applicable).
     (2) Coast Guard Award Recommendation, Form CG-1650.
     (3) One page award citation.
     (4) 1-2 page summary of action that fully describes the rescue.
     (5) Any additional information pertinent to AFRAS evaluation of the nomination.
   c. Forward command endorsed nominations to: COMDT (CG-SAR), U.S. Coast Guard, 2703 Martin
Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20593-7516. Attn: AFRAS Nomination.
   d. Award nominations must be received by COMDT (CG-SAR) by 11 May 2018.
6. COMDT (CG-SAR) AFRAS awards POC: Ms. Willie Foster (202) 372-2090. An advance copy of the
award nomination can be emailed to Ms. Foster at: Willie.M.Foster@uscg.mil.
7. Additional AFRAS information can be found at www.afras.org.
8. RDML Anthony J. Vogt, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy, sends.
9. Internet release authorized.