ALCOAST 043/26 - FEB 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT - 2025 NAVAL ENGINEERING AWARDS

R 052045Z FEB 26 MID320018521204U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 043/26
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT - 2025 NAVAL ENGINEERING AWARDS
1. In recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Naval
Engineering program, I am pleased to announce the recipients of the
2025 Naval Engineering Awards. As in years past, the quality of
candidates were incredible and highlighted how the Naval Engineering
workforce is vital to directly supporting the Coast Guard's ability
to conduct surface operations. Leadership, technical proficiency,
initiative, supporting operational readiness, and professional
development of Naval Engineers shown clearly throughout the
submissions.
    a. CAPTAIN RICHARD D. POORE AWARD - Mr. Michael Leonard,
SFLC Asset Logistics Division Chief.
Mr. Leonard distinguished himself in a highly demanding,
high-profile Naval Engineering Assignment over the last three years.
Showcasing extraordinary foresight, he spearheaded the complete
design of SFLC's annual budgeting process; this effort, coupled with
the development of the Affordable Readiness Budget model, ensured
annual funding for over 200 critical maintenance activities. His
strategic planning was critical in the prioritization of surface
fleet sustainment projects in direct support of border security and
national defense, championing program efforts to secure $550 million
for Surface depot maintenance in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that
will eliminate over half of SFLC's resource shortfall through 2027.
He led efforts to bolster a strategic partnership with the Royal
Bahamas Defense Force to establish a robust logistics chain that
further strengthened national security efforts in the Caribbean.
A consummate educator, he developed a unique training system to
enhance SFLC's personnel development and retention efforts.
    b. VICE ADMIRAL E. L. PERRY AWARD (Afloat) - LT Drew Daniels,
CGC VIGOROUS (WMEC 627) Engineer Officer.
LT Daniels's unmatched leadership and technical acumen as the
Engineer Officer on VIGOROUS resulted in shipboard culture that
emphasized technical excellence and continuous professional
development. A skilled problem solver, he navigated his department
through complex challenges, including an unplanned Main Diesel
Engine overhaul and the absorption of an additional 600 annual
maintenance hours after the sunsetting of the Cutter Boat Pool
program. As a fierce champion for the workforce, he volunteered to
participate in the 2025 Naval Engineering PQS Workshop as an
instructor and mentor, led the development of the Engineering Petty
Officer PQS, and created multiple hands-on training opportunities
for junior engineers.
    c. VICE ADMIRAL E. L. PERRY AWARD (Ashore) - CWO Eric Bechtel -
Sector North Carolina Engineer Officer.
As the Sector North Carolina Engineer Officer, CWO Bechtel's
expertise and transformative leadership were vital in supporting
40 small boats across 9 platforms, completing 170 service requests,
and providing critical small boat engine upgrades to support 317
search and rescue missions and countless law enforcement operations.
He spearheaded efforts to cannibalize $400k in usable parts from
decommissioned patrol boats for redistribution across the fleet,
providing immediate parts support to twelve disabled cutters.
A trusted technician, he represented the Coast Guard as a safety and
technical expert while sailing with the Marine Corps and Navy during
unmanned watercraft technology training and testing exercises,
greatly strengthening joint service relationships. His initiative
has significantly bolstered maritime capabilities for both the
Coast Guard and our Department of War partners.
    d. VICE ADMIRAL B. L. STABILE AWARD - CWO William Cloonan -
Small Boat Product Line RB-M Asset Line Manager.
An exceptional technician and resourceful leader, CWO Cloonan
directed all lifecycle engineering and logistics support for 174
45' Response Boat-Mediums (RB-M) throughout 2025. His proactive
management of a $15M annual budget enabled him to directly address
RB-M sustainment challenges, including successfully prototyping an
engine hour extension for the RB-M fleet, extending the overhaul
timeline by 1,200 hours and saving over $600K in maintenance costs
annually. He strategically redistributed $2M in inventory to
prioritize parts availability along the Southeast Border, further
extending the operational availability of assets supporting
OPERATION VIGLIANT SENTRY. He extended his expertise to support
inventory needs for the BUSL and TANB fleets, strengthening aids to
navigation operations in support of maritime commerce.
    e. REAR ADMIRAL R. S. LUCAS PLAQUE (Afloat) - CGC ALEX HALEY
(WMEC-39) Engineering Department.
Over the last year, ALEX HALEY's engineers successfully managed a
complex and unique engineering plant, maximizing cutter availability
for 160 days away from homeport with no lost operational days.
They leveraged partnerships with SFLC and LOGCOM to ensure over
$400k in depot maintenance was completed despite the cancelation of
their scheduled dockside due to infrastructure challenges.
Demonstrating exceptional ownership, they performed highly technical
repairs to their Over-the-Horizon cutter boat, including replacement
of major drive train components to ensure availability to complete
over 65 living marine resource boardings. Their dedication and
devotion to duty enabled operational excellence singlehandedly
achieving 90% of the Arctic District's annual law enforcement goals
safeguarding Alaska's $5.6 billion fishing industry.
    f. REAR ADMIRAL R. S. LUCAS PLAQUE (Ashore) - Base Los Angeles/
Long Beach Naval Engineering Department.
Throughout 2025, NED LA/LB skillfully executed 30 maintenance and
repair periods, completed over 1,200 maintenance activities, and
dedicated 30K labor hours to support assets from every cutter class.
They successfully executed the first organic generator and prime
mover replacements on a 154' Fast Response Cutter, developing
written service-wide direction for future organic projects.
They also took on a vital role supporting Presidential initiatives
at the Southern Border, serving as a critical logistics point for
cutters deployed in support of Operation BORDER TRIDENT. With an
increased operational tempo, NED LA/LB effectively absorbed a 25%
increase in maintenance support demand and offered their services
in support of over 400 CBP and National Guard personnel in need of
facilities and administrative support. NED LA/LB's efforts had a
direct and positive impact on PACAREA and Southwest District assets,
enabling successful execution of Operation BORDER TRIDENT and
Force Design 2028 initiatives.
2. This year's winners were selected from an impressive pool of
nomination packages, proudly submitted in recognition of superior
Naval Engineering efforts. Many thanks to all who expended the
effort to highlight their nominees' tremendous achievements for the
Coast Guard and the Naval Engineering program. An honorable mention
to the finalists in each category (in alphabetical order):
    a. Poore Award:
       (1) CDR Frank Reed - Surface Forces Logistics Center -
Patrol Boat Product Line
       (2) Mr. Wade Williams - Surface Forces Logistics Center -
Long Range Enforcer Product Line
       (3) LCDR Joshua Zirbes - Industrial Production Facility -
New Orleans
       (4) Total nominations: 4
    b. Perry Award (Afloat):
       (1) LT Andrea Harris - CGC POLAR STAR (WAGB 10) -
Assistant Engineer Officer
       (2) LCDR Benjamin Williams - CGC STRATTON (WMSL 752) -
Engineer Officer
       (3) Total nominations: 5
    c. Perry Award (Ashore)
       (1) LCDR Samuel Birch - Surface Forces Logistics Center -
Long Range Enforcer Product Line
       (2) Mr. James Lane - Surface Forces Logistics Center -
Executive Director
       (3) Total nominations: 5
    d. Stabile Award
       (1) MK1 Kevin Caddell - CGC EAGLE (WIX 327) -
Auxiliary Division
       (2) MKCM Jebediah Fleener - CGC MUNRO (WMSL 755) -
Main Propulsion Division
       (3) Total nominations: 11
    e. Lucas Plaque - Afloat
       (1) CGC MUNRO (WMSL 755)
       (2) CGC VIGOROUS (WMEC 627)
       (3) Total nominations: 15
    f. Lucas Plaque - Ashore
       (1) Naval Engineering Department Miami Beach
       (2) Naval Engineering Department Portsmouth
       (3) Total nominations: 11
3. Questions regarding the Naval Engineering Awards may be directed
to LCDR Laurin Teegarden, COMDT (CG-SEA-E2),
Laurin.M.Teegarden@uscg.mil.
4. Ms. Amber H. Stein, Assistant Commandant and PEO - Surface
(CG-SEA), sends.
5. Internet release is authorized.