ALCOAST 031/26 - JAN 2026 SOLICITATION FOR THE 2025 BMCS TERRELL HORNE III EXCELLENCE IN DRUG INTERDICTION OPERATIONS AWARD

R 301922Z JAN 26 MID320018507847U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 031/26
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR THE 2025 BMCS TERRELL HORNE III EXCELLENCE
IN DRUG INTERDICTION OPERATIONS AWARD
1. This ALCOAST solicits nominations of individuals who have
distinguished themselves during calendar year 2025 in drug
interdiction operations.
2. Background: This annual award recognizes the outstanding
performance of Coast Guard personnel and encourages stewardship
and contributions to the Coast Guard drug interdiction mission.
The United States Coast Guard is the world's premier maritime law
enforcement agency, interdicting illegally trafficked goods,
materials, and drugs in the maritime domain for over 100 years.
Over that time, the Coast Guard has interdicted millions of pounds
of illegal narcotics and detained thousands of suspected drug
smugglers for U.S. federal prosecution. The Coast Guard also
routinely collaborates with U.S. foreign partners to prevent
dangerous drugs from reaching U.S. communities.
3. Award eligibility: Presented annually, this award recognizes
individual achievement and contributions to the Coast Guard drug
interdiction mission between 01 JAN 2025 and 31 DEC 2025.
4. The member selected as the BMCS Terrell Horne III Excellence in
Drug Interdiction Operations Award winner will receive a flag letter
from COMDT (CG-DCO) and COMDT (CG-3/5R). Presentation of the award
will be coordinated by the members' command and COMDT (CG-MLE-3)
staff.
5. Nomination package requirements: Nominations may be submitted
by any command having first-hand knowledge of the nominee's
achievements. Submissions must be forwarded as a Coast Guard
memorandum. The narrative shall be limited to a maximum of two
pages, using Times New Roman 12-point font and include, at a
minimum, the following information:
     a. Nominee's assigned duties and position during the qualifying
period.
     b. Specific examples of the nominee's outstanding achievement,
governance, and contributions to the Coast Guard drug interdiction
mission, either through at-sea counterdrug operations or through the
training and advancement of interdiction and apprehension skill
sets.
     c. COMDT (CG-MLE-3) encourages commands to document the nominee's
contributions to establishing or enhancing joint/interagency
partnerships; innovations leading to more efficient drug
interdiction mission execution; development of drug interdiction
best-practices; or other significant actions worthy of recognition.
These factors are encouraged to distinguish nominees, but are not
required for a nomination package to be considered.
6. Refer to the COMDT (CG-MLE-3) SharePoint page for more
information on the award and memorandum template:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cgmle/cgmle3/SitePages/CD%20
Excellence%20Award.aspx

7. Submission Process: Unit nominations must be submitted to the
applicable Chief, District Enforcement no later than 27 FEB 2026.
The Districts will evaluate all nominations and will each submit
one endorsed recommendation to the cognizant Area Operations
Branch Chief no later than 27 MAR 2026. For nominees under the
ADCON of Area commands, submit nominations to the applicable Area
Chief, Law Enforcement Division/Branch no later than 27 MAR 2026.
8. The Area Operations Branch Chiefs will forward a single
nomination to COMDT (CG-MLE-3) no later than 24 APR 2026, to
review and select the best candidate. Final approval will rest
with the Assistant Commandant for Operations Integration and
Response Policy (CG-3/5R). Area staffs should submit all nominations
to COMDT (CG-MLE-3) so that well deserving nominees can be
recognized as honorable mentions.
9. The winner will be announced via ALCOAST NLT 22 MAY 2026,
highlighting the winner's contributions to the drug interdiction
mission in 2025.
10. COMDT (CG-MLE-3) POC: LT Anthony Bider at (202) 372-2113 or
Anthony.A.Bider@uscg.mil.
11. RADM M. M. Dean, Assistant Commandant for Operations Integration
and Response Policy (CG-3/5R), sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.