ALCOAST 097/26 - APR 2026 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT - 2025 CDR JOHN P. DAILEY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING WITHIN THE C4IT COMMUNITY

R 211107Z APR 26   MID180038724357U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 097/26
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT - 2025 CDR JOHN P. DAILEY AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING WITHIN THE C4IT COMMUNITY
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 251501Z NOV 25/ALCOAST 475/25
1. I am pleased to announce LT Colin Bird, Base New Orleans, and
Dr. Richard Hartnett, Coast Guard Academy, as the active duty and
civilian recipients of the 2025 CDR John P. Dailey Award.
    a. LT Colin Bird is recognized for exceptional leadership and
commitment to the C5I community. Assigned as the C5I Operations
Officer at Base New Orleans and the lead field project manager for
Operation River Wall, a high-stakes, $39 million national security
mission, LT Bird designed and deployed a resilient C5I architecture
from the ground up in an austere environment. Demonstrating
unparalleled resourcefulness, he rapidly sourced multiple STARLINK
terminals to establish vital connectivity and masterfully configured
the network for seamless integration with interagency partners,
including U.S. Border Patrol, creating a layered security posture
essential for mission success. A devoted mentor, LT Bird championed
the professional development of his technicians, securing $60,000 in
funding to orchestrate two IT boot camps that resulted in an
impressive 86% certification pass rate, significantly boosting the
District's technical proficiency. His influence extends far beyond
his technical feats; he actively guides members through officer
commission applications and serves as the command's recruiting
liaison, shaping the careers of hundreds of members. LT Bird's
exceptional leadership, honor for the Coast Guard Core Values, and
personification of dedicated mentorship have made him an invaluable
leader in the C5I community.
    b. Dr. Richard Hartnett serves as a Professor of Electrical
Engineering at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he has taught and
mentored cadets & faculty alike for 40 years. A nationally
recognized expert in Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), his
research on GPS vulnerability mitigation and alternative navigation
methods is vital to the future of maritime operations. In 2025, his
work was published by the Institute of Navigation, and he expertly
taught courses on signals, systems, and electronic navigation to 40
future Coast Guard officers. Dr. Hartnett's profound impact as a
mentor is evident in his guidance of seven cadets on a satellite-
based Rescue-21 project, which directly led to the first Academy
graduate being assigned to the C5I Service Center. He continuously
seeks opportunities to ignite passion in C5I, creating a unique
directed-study on software-defined radios for a first-year cadet
and writing six letters of recommendation for officers pursuing
graduate education. Universally respected for his wisdom and
insight, Dr. Hartnett is an exceptional mentor whose leadership and
commitment to developing future leaders permeates the entire C5I
community.
2. This award was established in honor of CDR John P. Dailey, whose
distinguished Coast Guard career symbolized the highest standards of
excellence in leadership, professionalism, and mentorship. The award
is presented annually to one military and one civilian Coast Guard
employee. The 2025 winners were chosen through a review process that
included screening and final selection by a board of senior
officers, civilians, and enlisted leaders.
3. LT Bird and Dr. Hartnett continue the tradition of outstanding
leadership and mentoring exemplified by CDR John P. Dailey. I
congratulate and commend them for their distinguished service to the
nation, duty to people, and commitment to excellence. We have many
dedicated and accomplished individuals throughout our entire C5I
community. I am truly impressed by the superior quality of
leadership and mentorship exhibited by all those nominated for this
prestigious award.
4. A formal award recognition will be held at a ceremony at Coast
Guard Headquarters during the 2026 C5I Centralized Annual Training
(C-CAT) co-hosted by the Assistant Commandant & Program Executive
Officer (PEO) for C5I and CGCYBER Command later in 2026.
5. I also take great pleasure in recognizing the following nominees
for their strong performance and continued leadership in the C5I
community:
    a. CAPT Kevin Carroll (CG-C5I)
    b. CDR Mark Burgner (CGCYBER)
    c. CDR Brian Siemiatkowski (C5ISC-ESD)
    d. CDR Richard Slocum (COMMCOM)
    e. CDR Grant Wyman (CG Academy)
    f. LCDR Michael Chandler (CG-C5I-APPS)
    g. LCDR Brendan Crowley (C5ISC-MSSPL)
    h. LCDR Matthew Lynne (Arctic District DT)
    i. LT Luke Arsenault (C5ISC-UCPL)
    j. LT David Martin (C5ISC-ESD-SEB)
    k. LT Curt Smith (CG-791)
    l. CWO3 Pedro Sullivan (C5ISC)
    m. ITCS Trevor Paternoster (ESD Elizabeth City)
    n. Ms. Lindsay Abbott (CG-C5I)
    o. Mr. Terry Breeden (ESD Mayport)
    p. Mr. Ernest Grindle (C5ISC)
    q. Ms. Brenda Oberholzer (CG-C5I-C)
6. Questions regarding the CDR John P. Dailey Award may be directed
to LCDR Anthony Foss, Executive Assistant to COMDT (CG-C5I) at
571-610-113 or via email (smb-comdt-dcs-c5i-frontoffice@uscg.mil).
7. RADM Jon P. Hickey, Assistant Commandant & PEO for C5I, sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.