ALCOAST 276/20 - JUL 2020 2019 CAPTAIN CARDEN AND BM1 CULLEN MARITIME SECURITY AND RESPONSE OPERATIONS (MSRO) EXCELLENCE AWARDS

R 170825 JUL 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-5R//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01650//
ALCOAST 276/20
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  2019 CAPTAIN CARDEN AND BM1 CULLEN MARITIME SECURITY AND RESPONSE OPERATIONS
(MSRO) EXCELLENCE AWARDS
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 110834 DEC 19/ALCOAST 384/19
1. The Captain Carden and BM1 Cullen MSRO Excellence Awards recognize a Coast Guard
unit and individual, that have consistently demonstrated outstanding contributions
and achievements in the Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS) mission,
specifically in the performance of MSRO activities. REF (A) solicited nominations.
2. I am honored to announce that Sector Puget Sound is awarded the 2019 CAPT Godfrey
L. Carden MSRO Unit Excellence Award and ENS Cody Seevers is awarded the 2019 BM1
John C. Cullen MSRO Individual Excellence Award.
    a. Sector Puget Sound demonstrated exceptional professionalism and remarkable MSRO
performance, championing critical security initiatives during CY19. During this time
Sector Puget Sound executed over ninety percent of coordinated anti-terrorism activities
contained in their Port Tactical Activity Plans, expertly utilizing their critical
resources to safeguard the sensitive security assets in the ports of their Area of
Responsibility (AOR). Sector Puget Sound oversaw several critical events including
SEAFAIR, Fleet Week, three Military Outloads, and two Navy High Value Unit escorts.
These efforts required special maritime security operational management and a massive
force laydown that protected the public and critical infrastructures. Sector Puget
Sound leaned forward during the planning and implementation of a full scale active
shooter drill aboard a high capacity passenger vessel (HCPV). Results of the exercise
have driven several efforts toward a unified Coast Guard response plan to an emerging
security concern in the Marine Transportation System. Sector Puget Sound enthusiastically
participated in the beta test and subsequent implementation of the MSRO patrol program
which is now being performed throughout the entire Coast Guard.
    b. ENS Cody Seevers displayed an unwavering commitment to the MSRO program at Sector
Boston. ENS Seevers championed initiatives for MSRO performance improvements including
establishing training on risk-based MSRO tools and processes at the Sector’s subunits
that performed MSRO activities. Direct coordination and management by these key workers
led to an impressive 33 percent overall improvement in reporting accuracy, as well as
enhanced the effectiveness in resource allocations. ENS Seevers impeccably managed Coast
Guard and port partner resources employed in protecting 170 liquefied natural gas vessel
movements of critical security concern. ENS Seevers fully showcased a dedication to
maritime security, responsibly reporting intelligence that provided crucial information
that yielded exceptional results in detecting a maritime cyber security attack planned
against a nationally significant event taking place in the Sector Boston AOR. ENS Seevers
initiated and implemented an administrative asset movement tracking system, saving more
than 250 hours of labor, and effectively accounted for the efforts of vessels conducting
security operations.
3. I commend all the nominees for their Service to Nation, Duty to People, and Commitment
to Excellence. I admire our dedicated units and individuals who have conducted MSRO
activities since 9/11. They have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to excellence in
leadership, initiative, and risk reduction to successfully safeguard our fellow citizens
and the Marine Transportation System.
4. I am pleased to recognize the below unit nominees, listed alphabetically, for their
teamwork and successful contributions to MSRO:
    a. CG SECTOR Charleston
    b. CG SECTOR Guam
    c. CG MSST Kings Bay
    d. CG SECTOR Long Island Sound
    e. CG SECTOR Maryland-National Capital Region
    f. CG Station New York
    g. CG SECTOR New York
    h. CG Station Oak Island
    i. CG MSU Port Arthur
    j. CG MSST San Francisco
5. I extend my sincere thanks to the units who nominated their personnel and to the nominees
for their hard work and efforts that kept America safe from maritime security risks. I am
pleased to recognize LT Johnathan Girot, CG SECTOR Guam, for his admirable performance,
leadership, and fortitude while conducting and overseeing MSRO activities.
6. Direct questions regarding the awards to MECS Mike Boyle, COMDT (CG-MSR-1) at:
(202)372-4002 or michael.j.boyle@uscg.mil.
7. RDML S. W. Clendenin, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy, sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.