ALCOAST 273/24 - JUL 2024 WINNER OF THE 2023 WILLIAM B. TUREK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INSPECTIONS

R 161750Z JUL 24 MID320000485157U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 273/24
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: WINNER OF THE 2023 WILLIAM B. TUREK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN
MARINE INSPECTIONS
1. I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Second Annual
William B. Turek Award for Excellence in Marine Inspections is
CWO Ashley Wells of Sector San Diego.
    a. CWO Wells played a pivotal role at Sector San Diego by her
contributions to marine safety, extensive regulatory knowledge, and
unwavering commitment to the community. Her leadership was crucial
in the final implementation of the Fire Safety of Small Passenger
Vessels Interim Final Rule, overseeing enhancements that drastically
improved safety measures for San Diego's fleet, which served over
300,000 passengers annually and contributed $5.6 billion to the
local economy. CWO Wells adeptly handled a substantial surge in
requests for overseas vessel drydock examinations in Mexico. She
collaborated with the U.S. Embassy and various agencies, which led
to the development of a local Marine Safety Information Bulletin
that streamlined both the travel and inspection processes. Her
efforts were crucial during a period of unprecedented drydock
shortages, showcasing her exceptional ability to navigate complex
bureaucratic challenges and ensure operational continuity.
    b. Beyond her operational roles, CWO Wells served as the
Department Training Officer, where she significantly enhanced
training and qualification readiness for 22 inspectors. She created
practical enforcement training and mentored her colleagues
intensively, fostering a high-performance culture within her
department. Her adeptness in enforcement led to improved safety
practices across the fleet, contributing to her recognition by
District 11 for her pivotal role in regulatory enforcement and
policy adjustments. Her professional engagements extended beyond
her immediate duties; she was a featured panelist at the 2023 Joint
Woman's Leadership Symposium, addressing over 1,400 military
attendees on mental health and work-life balance. In her role at
Sector San Diego, she supported her team as a Critical Incident
Stress Management Peer among other wellness roles, and actively
served on the Executive Board of Directors for a nonprofit dedicated
to supporting children and families affected by abuse. CWO Wells'
comprehensive approach to marine safety, education, community
engagement, and her impactful leadership within the Coast Guard
exemplified her outstanding candidacy for this prestigious award.
2. It is also my privilege to recognize our Honorable Mention
finalists.
    a. CWO Lawrence Duncan, Activities Europe (ACTEUR).
CWO Duncan demonstrated exceptional performance as an Advanced
Journeyman Marine Inspector and Prevention Department Training
Officer at ACTEUR. He managed inspections of U.S. commercial and
Military Sealift Command vessels, and foreign passenger vessels
across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, consistently meeting
high standards and exemplifying the Coast Guard's Core Values.
Notably, he completed 100 international TDY days, identified 33
No-Sail and 12 detainable deficiencies, and resolved 37 duty cases.
His expertise and professionalism were impactful for managing a
four-month detention of the 650-foot freight ship, leading the
inspection on a U.S. Naval Replenishment Ship in Saudi Arabia
during the Israel-Hamas conflict, and ensuring safety during the
vessel's drydock in Dubai by upholding confined space entry
standards. CWO Duncan's leadership during an inspection on a
foreign flagged ship in Turkey showcased his ability to balance
safety with political risk. He also managed the new construction
project of a Space Recovery Landing Platform, coordinating across
international shipyards and maintaining compliance with technical
requirements. Beyond his inspection duties, CWO Duncan elevated the
unit's inspection training program, leading to two in-house Foreign
Passenger Vessel Examiner (FPVE) qualifications. He improved
certification procedures, received positive feedback during a
FORCECOM audit, and achieved his Hull-Tank qualification check-ride,
demonstrating his commitment to self-improvement.
    b. CWO Christopher Blank, Sector Boston.
CWO Blank was responsible for the safety and security of a high-risk
small passenger vessel fleet of 227 vessels and the nation's largest
Truck Duck fleet. CWO Blank also maintained Verifying Officer status
on 12 marine inspector certifications and played a critical role as
a FPVE. His efforts ensured the quality completion of 16 Certificate
of Compliance examinations, facilitating 370,000 passengers and $135
million in economic impact without incident. CWO Blank initiated
organizational change by implementing a Training Branch for
Apprentice Marine Inspectors (AMI) and Enlisted Marine Inspectors.
His efforts led to the completion of one AMI systems completion
certificate and five vessel certifications, enhancing the Sector's
role as a high-quality feeder port. He personally provided over 100
hours of training, facilitating the attainment of over 15 inspection
qualifications. As the lead Machinery Inspector, he responded to a
machinery failure on a U.S. flagged dredge vessel, facilitating an
emergency drydock and overseeing repairs that allowed the vessel to
resume operations quickly. He also served as the lead T-Boat
inspector for the hull examination of a wood-hull schooner,
preventing catastrophic failure, and as the lead inspector for the
drydock inspection of a U.S. Navy tank ship, ensuring the
vessel's rapid return to active service.
3. William B. Turek served his country with distinction for 20 years
in the United States Coast Guard retiring with the rank of
Lieutenant Commander. On July 1, 1992, he was recalled to three
years active duty to continue the work he loved, marine inspections.
As a highly experienced inspector, he was assigned as the lead
inspector to oversee the reactivation of the M/V CAPE DIAMOND.
On the afternoon of March 3, 1993, testing of the low-pressure
carbon dioxide extinguishing system was initiated. Realizing that
more than the anticipated brief puff of carbon dioxide was being
released, LCDR Turek disregarded his own safety and entered the
engine room to warn others of the hazard. In his attempt to save
others, he became victim of carbon dioxide asphyxiation,
sacrificing his own life. Lieutenant Commander Turek demonstrated
remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and daring in spite of
imminent personal danger in this rescue attempt.
4. The William B. Turek Award for Excellence in Marine Inspections
recognizes those Marine Inspectors that had an especially noteworthy
impact on vessel safety, displayed exceptional technical expertise,
and exhibited the highest levels of professionalism. A panel of five
Marine Inspectors across COMDTs (CG-CVC) and (CG-5P-TI) was
convened to review the 12 nominations and recommended this year's
selectees. While we can only choose one winner, I remain inspired
by the professionalism, expertise, and character of the entire
Marine Inspection workforce. I am confident in our ability to
remain "Always Ready" to serve and protect the American people
and our vital national interests. Semper Paratus.
5. A formal ceremony for the presentation of the award will be
coordinated with the recipient.
6. Questions regarding the William B. Turek Award for Excellence in
Marine Inspections Award may be directed to LT Steve Conde,
COMDT (CVC-1), at (571) 610-3045 or Steve.L.Conde@uscg.mil.
7. RDML W. R. Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy
(CG-5P), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.