ALCGPSC 108-19 - ANNOUNCEMENT OF COAST GUARD FOUNDATION AWARDS RECIPIENT FOR 2019

united states coast guard

20 SEP 2019
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCGPSC 108/19
SUBJ:  ANNOUNCEMENT OF COAST GUARD FOUNDATION AWARDS RECIPIENT FOR 2019
1.  The Coast Guard Cutter MUNRO (WMSL 755), homeported in Alameda, California, along with the
Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team (PAC TACLET) and Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron
(HITRON), have been selected by the Coast Guard Foundation as their 2019 award recipients.
2.  USCGC MUNRO received national acclaim and international attention for a dramatic interception and
boarding of a drug smuggling semi-submersible in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.  On June 17, 2019, MUNRO
and PAC TACLET crewmembers intercepted and boarded the drug-laden submersible by leaping onto
the moving vessel to gain positive control and safely remove the occupants.  This boarding ultimately
resulted in confiscation of 17,000 pounds of cocaine totaling $227 million and detention of five
suspected smugglers.  This notable boarding was the culmination of a three-month deployment in which
MUNRO and embarked detachments from HITRON and PAC TACLET made 8 drug seizures totaling
35,400 pounds of cocaine with a combined street value of $475 million.
3.  Congratulations to the selectees and the six other individual or crew nominees listed below:
    (a) BM2 Keith Frunchillo, USCGC NORTHLAND (WMEC 904)
    (b) USCGC THETIS (WMEC 910)
    (c) USCGC RELIANCE (WMEC 615)
    (d) CG Station Little Creek (Crew of CG 45601)
    (e) Team Guam (Sector Guam, USCGC SEQUOIA, USCGC WASHINGTON, USCGC KISKA, CG Station Apra
Harbor, Marine Safety Detachment Saipan, CG Investigative Service Guam, Electronic Support
Detachment Guam)
    (f) CG Air Station Barbers Point (Crew of CGNR 1720)
4.  The ceremony honoring the selectees and the heroic works of the Coast Guard will be held in New
York City on 03 October 2019.  Travel, lodging, and a stipend have been graciously offered by the Coast
Guard Foundation for the award recipients to attend the Salute to the Coast Guard awards ceremony.  A
Foundation representative will contact the recipients to assist with travel arrangements and provide
information regarding the ceremony.
5.  Released by CAPT G. T. Prestidge, Commander, CG Personnel Service Center.  The Service Center for
Our Most Important Resource – Our People.
6.  Internet Released Authorized.
BT