ALCOAST 263/24 - JUL 2024 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2024 ARMED SERVICES YMCA ANGELS OF THE BATTLEFIELD AWARD RECIPIENT

R 021314Z JUL 24   MID120001258662U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 263/24
SSIC 6010
SUBJ: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2024 ARMED SERVICES YMCA ANGELS OF THE
BATTLEFIELD AWARD RECIPIENT
1. I am pleased to announce Aviation Survival Technician (AST)
Second Class Aaron Mulkey, assigned to Coast Guard Air Station
Sitka, has been selected as the Coast Guard recipient for the
18th Annual Armed Services YMCA Angels of the Battlefield (AOTB)
Award. AOTB is an annual award that recognizes one enlisted medical
professional from each branch of the Armed Forces.
    a. The AOTB Award recognizes AST2 Mulkey's courageous actions
during an at sea rescue when he spotted three individuals clinging
to the wreckage of a capsized catamaran. Despite 10-15 foot seas
and the vessel drifting towards plunging breakers, AST2 Mulkey took
immediate rescue action which was imperative to ensure the safety
of the individuals aboard. AST2 Mulkey exhibited extraordinary
courage and tactical skill as he meticulously timed his entries
amidst the relentless wave action. With each calculated approach,
he deftly navigated the swirling currents to recover the survivors
from the perilous conditions, ensuring their swift and safe rescue.
Once on board the aircraft, AST2 Mulkey sprang into action with
unwavering resolve, immediately directing his attention to the
hypothermic survivors and a critically injured individual, who
was bleeding profusely. With precision born of training and
experience, he applied life-saving medical aid swiftly and
decisively amidst the urgent chaos of the rescue operation.
AST2 Mulkey's actions were extraordinarily heroic, brought great
credit upon the Coast Guard, and highly merit this year's
recognition as the Coast Guard's 2024 Armed Services YMCA Angel
of the Battlefield.
2. AST2 Aaron Mulkey will be nominated for the DHS Lifesaving award
sponsored by the DHS Chief Medical Officer and the Association of
Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS) Lewis L. Seaman
Enlisted Award for Outstanding Operational Support. I applaud all
the nominees for their accomplishments and their Commanding Officers
and supervisors for taking the time to submit well-deserved
nominations. I encourage all leaders to recognize their high
performing enlisted medical professionals by nominating them next
year for the 2025 AOTB Award. This year's awardees demonstrated
outstanding professionalism in carrying out their duties. Bravo
Zulu for a job very well done.
3. POC: CWO3 Luis Muniz COMDT (CG-1K22), 202-475-5173,
Email: Luis.A.Muniz@uscg.mil
4. RDML Shane C. Steiner, Executive Director, Health Services
Health, Safety, and Work-Life (CG-1K), sends.
5. Internet release is authorized.