ALCOAST 262/25 - JUN 2025 WINNER OF THE 2024 WILLIAM B. TUREK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MARINE INSPECTIONS

R 091207Z JUN 25   MID120001993774U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 262/25
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: WINNER OF THE 2024 WILLIAM B. TUREK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN
MARINE INSPECTIONS
1. I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Third Annual
William B. Turek Award for Excellence in Marine Inspections is
LT Amber Arnold of Sector Mobile.
    a. LT Arnold exemplified unparalleled dedication as the Domestic
Vessel Branch Chief at Sector Mobile. Her exceptional leadership,
technical expertise, and commitment to safety have made a
significant impact on the Coast Guard's Marine Safety mission in
2024. As Domestic Vessel Branch Chief at Sector Mobile, she led 18
Marine Inspectors in overseeing 48% of the nation's new vessel
construction across 14 major shipyards. She oversaw the
commissioning of two groundbreaking vessels: the first all-electric
Inspected Towing Vessel, powered by 11,400 pounds of lithium
batteries and valued at $3.8 million, and the nation's first
commercial vessel built using 3D design. She also collaborated with
the Defense Innovation Unit and The Spaceport Company to convert a
1980s commercial vessel into a launch platform for hypersonic
rockets, supporting national at-sea launch capabilities. In support
of national security, she played a key role in reflagging two
Maritime Security Program vessels and led inspections for the Coast
Guard's first new icebreaker acquisition in over 25 years - the
$125 million CGC STORIS.
    b. LT Arnold's technical insights and policy leadership drove
nationwide safety improvements. She identified a critical
installation flaw in the FM2000 fire suppression systems affecting
more than 40 ocean-going towing vessels, prompting a Marine Safety
Information Bulletin and development of policies to address the
issue. Similarly, her investigation into a pattern of propulsion
failures revealed a manufacturer defect and resulted in a national
Marine Safety Alert. She also implemented new fire safety
regulations for the country's second-largest overnight small
passenger fleet, ensuring full compliance ahead of schedule and
safeguarding over 1,000 passengers. Her enforcement actions included
the detention of a deficient offshore supply vessel, leading to a
CGIS investigation into potential illegal discharges and prompting
corrective actions across an entire fleet.
    c. LT Arnold's leadership has been instrumental in advancing
both the operational readiness and professional growth of her team.
As a Verification Officer, she led training initiatives that
resulted in 11 new inspection qualifications and directly supported
the development of 19 inspectors. Her mentorship extended beyond
her unit, helping four inspectors from other sectors earn major
qualifications. Her guidance aided one junior officer in securing a
well-deserved promotion, while others were selected for competitive
graduate programs. Through outreach efforts focused on officer
accession and mentoring, LT Arnold continues to shape the future of
the Marine Safety workforce. Her work has transformed safety
practices, advanced strategic capabilities, and mentored a
generation of inspectors, earning her the William B. Turek Award for
Excellence in Marine Inspections.
2. It is also my privilege to recognize our Honorable Mention
finalists.
    a. LT Brigit Jogan, Sector Virginia.
LT Jogan's leadership and technical expertise were instrumental in
several complex and high-risk evolutions within the Sector Virginia
Area of Responsibility. When a crew member went missing aboard an
offshore supply vessel, she cut her leave short to conduct an
in-service inspection and MTSA/ISPS Verification, uncovering nine
egregious security deficiencies that led to a flag state detention.
She directed the vessel operator to carry out a full overhaul of
the company's security posture. LT Jogan led the reflagging of a
787-foot RO-RO vessel into the Maritime Administration's Maritime
Security Program fleet, expertly guiding an inspection team that
identified 43 deficiencies and ensured full compliance to enhance
U.S. military readiness while demonstrating her steadfast commitment
to safety and security.
    b. While serving as the active Chief, Inspections Division, on
the eve of Thanksgiving, she expertly managed Sector Virginia's
response to an explosion aboard a foreign-flagged coal bulker. She
coordinated port partners, assessed safety risks, and guided the
vessel to anchorage for mitigation measures. Her deep analysis into
coal shipment hazards led to the publication of Safety Alert 07-25,
amplifying awareness across the marine industry. In addition to
these operational achievements, LT Jogan contributed to the Marine
Safety Program's professional development by participating in
20 qualification boards and developing targeted training on lessons
learned from major marine casualties. Her outreach efforts reached
over 100+ professionals from other government agencies, the Marine
Safety Center staff and cadets at the Coast Guard academy.
LT Jogan's expertise, initiative, and impact on maritime safety and
security truly embody the spirit of the William B. Turek Award.
    c. CWO Joshua Greer, Marine Safety Unit Houma.
CWO Greer is recognized for his steadfast commitment to marine
safety, mentorship, and technical excellence. As the unit's sole
Advanced Journeyman Marine Inspector, he played a vital role in
maintaining inspection readiness during a critical staffing gap.
He mentored newly assigned inspectors while also leading the 12-week
Apprentice Marine Inspector Systems Training Course. Known for
simplifying complex concepts, he became the go-to resource for
inspectors across all qualification levels. As a National Verifying
Officer during the 2024 Great Lakes Breakouts, he trained inspectors
from across the country in advanced deep draft qualifications,
achieving a 100% qualification rate and significantly boosting
national vessel inspection readiness. His leadership extended into
high-impact inspections. While overseeing new construction projects,
he identified a manufacturing defect in 4,500 Type I lifejackets,
worth approximately $300K, across six ferries, prompting a
nationwide recall and high-level investigation, directly preventing
a potentially life-threatening failure.
    d. In 2024, CWO Greer was responsible for identifying 70% of the
unit's substandard vessels that resulted in U.S. flag state
detentions. In a whistleblower case, he uncovered major stability
violations aboard an 800-ton derrick barge, including unauthorized
portable accommodation modules and carriage of additional personnel,
far exceeding the limits of its Certificate of Inspection. He also
prevented a non-compliant bunk modification aboard a passenger
vessel that would have compromised escape routes. His timely
decision, coordinated with the Marine Safety Center and multiple
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection zones, ensured safe
accommodations and regulatory compliance. CWO Greer's technical
acumen and leadership have had a lasting impact on the Marine Safety
mission, earning him recognition as an Honorable Mention for the
Turek Award.
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 16 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. RADM W. R. Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy
(CG-5P), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.