ALCOAST 092/26 - APR 2026 2025 BOAT FORCES' AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT

R 151046Z APR 26   MID320018646611U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 092/26
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: 2025 BOAT FORCES' AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT
A. Boat Operations and Training (BOAT), Volume I,
COMDTINST 16114.32H
1. This ALCOAST announces the 2025 Boat Forces' Awards recipients.
2. CDR Ray Evans Outstanding Coxswain Trophy Award.
    a. The purpose of this award is to recognize exemplary
active-duty and reserve coxswains who demonstrate sustained superior
performance, exceptional boat handlings skills, and exceptional
leadership.
    b. The active-duty CDR Ray Evans Outstanding Coxswain Trophy
recipient is BM1 Alexander Keating. BM1 Keating accumulated more
than 414 operational hours, including over 200 hours in high-risk
night conditions. As a Non-Compliant Vessel Pursuit (NCVP) Coxswain
deployed with the USCGC CALHOUN, he interdicted four vessels in a
48-hour period, resulting in the seizure of 12,000 pounds of illicit
drugs and the detention of 10 narco-traffickers. Most notably,
on September 2, 2025, BM1 Keating was the NCVP Coxswain aboard in
heavy seas and under the cover of darkness in pursuit of a suspected
narco-terrorist vessel. Shortly after obtaining positive control of
the suspect vessel, the starboard bucket system suffered a
engineering casualty. BM1 Keating quickly began casualty control
procedures to restore functionality. The suspect vessel drifting
nearby was unexpectedly impacted by a massive wave, and capsized
ejecting three TACLET operators and three narco-terrorists into the
water. BM1 Keating's decisive action, sound judgment and calm
demeanor under extreme pressure led to the safe recovery of all
personnel and illicit contraband. As First Lieutenant, BM1 Keating's
leadership was instrumental in maintaining the readiness of seven
assets for three 60-day deployments to the Southwest Border. His
efforts contributed to an 83 percent reduction in migrant crossings,
underscoring his commitment to mission success and operational
excellence.
    c. The reserve CDR Ray Evans Outstanding Coxswain Trophy
recipient is BM1 Anthony Reynolds. BM1 Reynolds was the driving
force behind the resurgence of PSU 301's tactical boat capability.
In 2025, BM1 Reynolds personally oversaw the qualification of 26
new boat force operators, including four tactical coxswains,
resulting in a 400 percent increase in deployable crews.
BM1 Reynolds collaborated with Marine Corps range control to design
and executed a first-of-its-kind live-fire exercise, utilizing the
M240B machine gun against a moving surface target, he supervised
the safe discharge of over 19,000 rounds of ammunition, setting a
new standard for tactical proficiency and safety. BM1 Reynolds
orchestrated a rigorous training schedule, achieving over 550
underway hours in just three weeks. During this period, he
personally logged 137 mishap-free hours and led 14 tactical sorties,
further demonstrating his skill and dedication to operational
success.
    d. BM1 Alexander Keating and BM1 Anthony Reynold's outstanding
performance sets a benchmark for all coxswains.
3. Fireman First Class Paul Clark Outstanding Engineer Award.
    a. The purpose of this award is to recognize exemplary
active-duty and reserve boat engineers who demonstrate sustained
superior performance, proficiencies and leadership.
    b. The active-duty Fireman First Class Paul Clark Outstanding
Engineer Award recipient is MK3 Colby Ventura of Station Port
Canaveral. On May 10, 2025, MK3 Ventura demonstrated remarkable
composure and skill during a high-stress search and rescue
operation. Transferring to the sinking 28-foot fishing vessel
Harvey, he expertly managed a chaotic scene, directing the panicked
crew to shift weight and dewater the vessel amid perilous six-foot
seas. When the primary dewatering pump failed, MK3 Ventura diagnosed
a broken internal choke linkage under hazardous conditions,
showcasing his technical mastery and quick thinking. In another
capsizing incident, MK3 Ventura's courage and commitment to others
were evident. He was the last to abandon ship, and once in the
water, he rescued a civilian struggling to stay afloat before
assisting two additional individuals to safety. MK3 Ventura's
leadership, technical proficiency, and unwavering dedication to
the Coast Guard's mission have made a significant impact on
Station Port Canaveral and the broader maritime community.
His actions exemplify the highest standards of service and inspire
those around him.
    c. The reserve Fireman First Class Paul Clark Outstanding
Engineer Award recipient is MK2 Zebulon Tingley of Station Rockland.
During a critical personnel shortage, MK2 Tingley volunteered for
84 days of active duty, providing vital support to support Station
Rockland's operations. While serving, MK2 Tingley not only augmented
the duty section but also expertly troubleshot and repaired six
restrictive and two disabling casualties on the station's boats,
restoring them to full mission capability. His actions directly
contributed to the station's ability to fulfill its mission and
maintain readiness. MK2 Tingley played a key role in the training
and certification of four new Reserve Boat Crewmembers,
strengthening the unit's operational readiness. His dedication to
professional development is evident in his voluntary certification
as a 47' Motor Lifeboat Engineer and completion of the Basic
Boarding Officer Course–qualifications exceeding the requirements
of his position. MK2 Tingley's professionalism, technical skill,
and commitment to service exemplify the highest standards of the
United States Coast Guard Reserve.
    d. MK3 Ventura and MK2 Tingley's technical acumen, expertise,
and commitment sets a benchmark for all boat engineers.
4. Master Chief Jack Downey Award.
    a. The purpose of this award is to recognize units in four
categories (Station, Advanced Competency Station, Aids to Navigation
Team, and Non-Station/ANT) who have exemplified the finest traits of
a Boat Forces unit.
    b. The Master Chief Jack Downey "Station" Award recipient is
Station Woods Hole. Station Woods Hole served as the cornerstone of
maritime force protection for one of the nation's largest ferry
networks, guaranteeing the safe transit of three million people and
over $60 million in property. The crew completed 529 recreational
boating safety and security boardings and responded to 40 Search and
Rescue cases, resulting in 45 lives saved or assisted. The Station
flawlessly executed complex security operations for the Vice
President and a former President of the United States. In a
demonstration of expert analysis and interagency leadership, the
crew led a complex nighttime search for a vessel on fire, directing
an Air Station Cape Cod helicopter and local agencies to three
severely injured survivors on shore.
    c. The Master Chief Jack Downey "Advanced Competency Station"
Award recipient is Station Washington. Station Washington
exemplified unparalleled stamina through an unprecedented mission
pace. The crew flawlessly executed three major National Security
Special Events in a single month: the Certification of Electoral
Votes, the 60th Presidential Inauguration, and the State Funeral
of President Jimmy Carter. This demanding schedule was compounded
when the station assumed command and control of the 72-hour
recovery phase for a fatal midair collision over the Potomac River,
leading to the dignified recovery of 67 victims. Throughout the
year, Station Washington executed 1,465 underway hours, conducted
103 security movements for the President of the United States, and
responded to 43 Search and Rescue cases, demonstrating preeminent
operational distinction in the epicenter of American governance.
    d. The Master Chief Jack Downey "Aids to Navigation" Award
recipient is Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Galveston. ANT Galveston
demonstrated exceptional dedication by accumulating 679 total
mission hours while maintaining 682 aids to navigation. The team's
work was critical to the safety and efficiency of the Houston Ship
Channel, a waterway generating over $906 billion in annual economic
impact. Responding to 337 aid discrepancies, the unit also played a
pivotal role in the Houston Ship Channel Widening Project, which
expanded the channel from 530 to 700 feet, significantly boosting
economic activity across the region.
    e. The Master Chief Jack Downey "Non-Station/ANT" Award recipient
is CG Forces Rio Grande (CGF-RG). Tasked with securing 260 miles of
the U.S. border, CG Forces Rio Grande established overwhelming
operational dominance from its inception. In its first three months,
the unit completed 1,437 patrols totaling 8,308 hours, actions
credited with a 30 percent reduction in illicit boarder activity
in their patrol areas. CGF-RG pioneered the use of small
Unmanned-Aerial Systems (sUAS) to deliver real-time intelligence
to boat crews and established a fully operational maintenance
center to sustain its 42-vessel fleet in a high-threat, high
op-temp, expeditionary environment.
    f. Stations Woods Hole and Washington, ANT Galveston, and
CG Forces Rio Grande have exemplified the finest traits of
Boat Forces units by demonstrating Mission Performance, Leadership
and Partnership, Community Outreach, Crew Professional Development,
and Safety.
5. Each year it is extremely difficult to select only one recipient
per category from the superb group of units and members who are
nominated for the Boat Forces' Awards. The Office of Boat Forces is
pleased with the number of exceptional quality nomination packages
that were submitted and commend all those who took the time to
acknowledge the many outstanding coxswains, engineers, and units
throughout the Boat Forces community.
6. The following are the 2025 CDR Ray Evans Outstanding Coxswain
Trophy nominees:
    a. BM1 Andrew Rodriguez – MSST Houston
    b. BM1 Nicholas Elliot – Station Barnegat Light
    c. BM1 Parker Jones – Station Morro Bay
    d. BM1 Taylor McElroy – PSU 308 (Reserve)
    e. BM2 Conner Small – Station Charlevoix
    f. BM2 Gabriel Dubinett – MSST Seattle
    g. BM2 Jordan Downs – Station Oak Island
    h. BM2 Kalen Halvorsen – Station Quillayute River
    i. BM2 Kenan Carter – MSST Miami
    j. BM2 Kenneth Hall – CGC Vigorous
    k. BM2 Kessell Kreiner – Station New Orleans
    l. BM2 Mark Giovinali – Station ST Inigoes
7. For the full 2025 Boat Forces CDR Ray Evans Outstanding Coxswain
Trophy recipients' narratives of accomplishments please visit the
Office of Boat Forces SharePoint site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cg731/SitePages/Coxswain%20
Trophy%20Award.aspx

8. The following are the 2025 Fireman First Class Paul Clark
Outstanding Engineering Award nominees:
    a. MK1 Daniel Narke – Station Cape May
    b. MK1 Grant Putala – PSU 309 (Reserve)
    c. MK2 Koty Jacobs – Station Charlevoix
    d. MK2 Manuel Alcorta – MSST Houston
    e. MK2 Trevor Saito – Station Port Angeles
9. For the full 2025 Fireman First Class Paul Clark Outstanding
Engineering Award recipients' narratives of accomplishments please
visit the Office of Boat Forces SharePoint site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cg731/SitePages/
Boat%20Forces%20Engineer%20Award.aspx

10. The following are the 2025 Master Chief Jack Downey Award
nominees:
    a. Station.
        Station Marblehead
        Station U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)
    b. Advanced Competency Station.
        Station Annapolis
        Station Bellingham
        Station LA/LB
        Station New London
        Station New Orleans
        Station Quillayute River
        Station San Diego
    c. Aids to Navigation.
    d. Non-STA/ANT.
        CGC Yellowfin
        HITRON TTB Division
        MSST Houston
        MSST LA/LB
        MSST Miami
        MSST San Francisco
11. For the full 2025 Master Chief Jack Downey Award recipients'
narratives of accomplishments please visit the Office of Boat Forces
SharePoint site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/cg731/SitePages/Jack%20Downey%
20Award.aspx

12. Presentations of the 2025 Boat Forces Awards will be coordinated
via SEPCOR.
13. POC: LT James Meadows, COMDT (CG-7311) at:
James.L.Meadows@uscg.mil.
14. RDML Amy Grable, Assistant Commandant for Capability
(CG-7), sends.
15. Internet release is authorized.