ALCGPSC 079/19 - ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2019 JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY OF AMERICA (JINSA) GRATEFUL NATION AWARD COAST GUARD RECIPIENT

united states coast guard

25 JUL 2019
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCGPSC 079/19
SUBJ:  ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2019 JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL
SECURITY OF AMERICA (JINSA) GRATEFUL NATION AWARD COAST GUARD
RECIPIENT
1.  I am pleased to announce that LTJG James R. Rizzo, currently assigned as Commanding
Officer of USCGC SHRIKE (WPB-87342) Bayonne, NJ has been selected for recognition at the
Jewish Institute for National Security of America Annual Grateful Nation Awards Ceremony. 
The awards ceremony will be held in Washington, DC on Wednesday, 20 November 2019. 
JINSA will fund the transportation and lodging costs of each recipient and spouse, parents, or
special guest to include airfare and two nights at the Conrad Hotel in Washington, DC. 
2.  LTJG Rizzo displayed exceptional service while deployed in support of Operation Inherent
Resolve.  As the Operations Officer and Navigator onboard USCGC MAUI (WPB 1304)
stationed in Manama, Bahrain, he planned and executed operations and safe navigational routes
for 1,753 underway hours during the last twelve months in a high threat environment.
Demonstrating exceptional preparedness and cooperation with allied forces, LTJG Rizzo
coordinated five joint exercises and four joint patrols with seven coalition partner nations. His
superb planning strengthened interoperability amongst coalition partners and enhanced vessel
board, search, and seizure operations, tactical maneuvering techniques, and war fighting in
support of U.S. strategic objectives in the region. Through his actions, LTJG James Rizzo
exemplified the Coast Guard core values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.
3.  IT1 Lou Dato (currently assigned to Base Honolulu, HI) was also nominated for this
prestigious award.  Bravo Zulu to IT1 Lou Dato for noteworthy contributions to our national
security.   
4.  Please direct questions to ARL.Medals (at) uscg.mil.
5.  CAPT G. T. Prestidge, Personnel Service Center sends.  The Service Center for Our Most
Important Resource – Our People.
6.  Internet Released Authorized.
BT