ALCOAST 427/20 - NOV 2020 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT - 2020 CG ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

R 241600 NOV 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-4//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N01650//
ALCOAST 427/20
COMDTNOTE 1650
SUBJ:  WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT - 2020 CG ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
1. I am pleased to announce the winner of the 2020 Coast Guard Engineer of the
Year Award, CDR Matthew Walker. As the Engineering Services Division Chief at
the Aviation Logistics Center and while serving as the Engineering Technical
Authority (ETA), CDR Walker oversaw the airworthiness program of the entire
Coast Guard Aviation Fleet covering seven different aircrafts. In doing so, he
led 59 engineers through airworthiness assessments of aircraft in depot
maintenance to include configuration management and engineering technical
approval for upgrades to the MH-65E variant. Additionally, CDR Walker
spearheaded the review of CG airworthiness and engineering processes,
culminating in the continuance of the Coast Guard’s National Airworthiness
Council Certification. This noteworthy contribution is a direct reflection of
CDR Walker’s leadership and engineering acumen. Furthermore, he developed key
Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP) goals for the HC-144, providing
data to support key future engineering decisions. He also oversaw the
development of a special tool for on-wing HC-144 structural repairs, earning
a U.S Patent. Looking ahead, CDR Walker identified the need for a Cyber and
Platform IT (PIT) Program Manager in aviation, leading to the establishment
of a Cyber and PIT aviation graduate program track which will bring these
critical skillsets to aviation sustainment. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
he led the development of risk mitigation strategies in maintenance and
operational procedures resulting in tested, developed, and promulgated written
guidance while adhering to engineering principles. CDR Walker has a Master’s
Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and is a
Registered Professional Engineer in Oregon.
    a. An awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in Washington, DC on 18 February
2021 to recognize the accomplishments of CDR Walker, pending COVID conditions.
Additionally, as the Coast Guard Engineer of the Year, CDR Walker has been
nominated for the National Society of Professional Engineers Federal Engineer of
the Year Award.
2. Well done to the following distinguished engineers who were deservedly
nominated for the 2020 Coast Guard Engineer of the Year Award:
    a. LCDR John C. Adams
    b. LCDR Patrick M. Burnett
    c. LCDR Nicholas A. Galati
    d. Thane Gilman
    e. LT Eva M. Gonzales
    f. LT Carl E. Hendrickson
    g. LCDR Harold N. Piper
    h. Daniel E. Riquer
    i. LCDR Peter T. Schofield
    j. LCDR Jeffrey J. Smolik
    k. Frederick J. Sommer
    l. Tony P. VanWinden
    m. David W. Waugh
    n. LCDR Stepahnie D. Wood
3. I applaud all the nominees for their accomplishments along with their
Commanding Officers and supervisors for taking the time to submit well-supported
nominations. Our successful CG mission execution requires talented engineers that
possess in-depth technical knowledge, strong leadership skills, practical
experience, and professional credentials to provide mission support while
effectively and efficiently sustaining our cutters, boats, aircraft, systems,
and shore infrastructure. I encourage all leaders to recognize their highest
performing engineering professionals by nominating them next year for the Coast
Guard Engineer of the Year Award.
4. Questions regarding the Engineer of the Year Award may be directed to
LT Ruby Surgent, COMDT (CG-4A) at 202-475-5553 or Elizabeth.R.Surgent@uscg.mil.
5. RDML N. A. Moore, Chief Engineer, sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.