ALCOAST 002/26 - JAN 2026 2026 RADM WILLIAM M. BENKERT ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD SOLICITATION

R 061738Z JAN 26  MID320018451569U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 002/26
SSIC 16450
SUBJ: 2026 RADM WILLIAM M. BENKERT ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD SOLICITATION
1. The U.S. Coast Guard is soliciting applications from the maritime
industry for the biennial Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Award for
Environmental Excellence. This program recognizes corporations and
businesses involved in marine facility or vessel operations that
have demonstrated sustained excellence and outstanding achievement
in protecting the marine environment. It also encourages innovations
in operations, maintenance, cargo handling, refueling, and training
while providing a means to share best practices with others in the
maritime community.
2. The 2026 Award will be presented during the North American Marine
Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) Safety at Sea National
Maritime Day seminar and Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue
System (AMVER) awards in May 2026. More details will be announced
as the event approaches.
3. Districts, Sectors, and Marine Safety Units/Detachments are
requested to forward this solicitation to the marine industry in
their area of responsibility. Applications will be accepted from
01 January 2026 to 01 March 2026. Potential applicants should
visit:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-
Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/Inspections-Compliance-CG-5PC-/cgfac/

for award guidelines.
4. This announcement will also be disseminated via
email distribution lists and national maritime industry web sites
and blogs. Further dissemination at the regional and port level
is highly encouraged and will help ensure a robust nomination pool.
5. The Office of Port and Facility Compliance (CG-FAC) point of
contact is Kevin McDonald at Kevin.McDonald@uscg.mil.
6. RADM Wayne R. Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy
(CG-5P), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.