ALCOAST 182/26 - JUN 2026 WINNER OF THE 2025 WILLIAM B. TUREK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCEIN MARINE INSPECTIONS

R 182040Z JUN 26  MID180038793796U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 182/26
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: WINNER OF THE 2025 WILLIAM B. TUREK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
IN MARINE INSPECTIONS
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 021507Z DEC 25/ALCOAST 482/25
1. I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Annual
William B. Turek Award for Excellence in Marine Inspections for
2025 is Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Aaron Wood of Sector Virginia
(located in Portsmouth Virginia, covering the Virginia Atlantic
Coast, Chesapeake Bay and tributaries, and Intercostal Waterways,
Inland Lakes and Commercial Ports of Virginia).
2. Award Winner. CWO Wood demonstrated exemplary performance
as an Advanced Journeyman Marine Inspector at Sector Virginia.
    a. CWO Wood demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication as the
lead machinery inspector for the initial in-service
inspection of the largest offshore wind support vessel in the
United States. His thorough assessment uncovered critical
60+ repairs necessary before commercial operations could begin,
directly preventing potential marine casualties and safeguarding
the lives of crew.
    b. CWO Wood applied his regulatory knowledge and acumen during
an unprecedented detention of a foreign flagged vessel, where he
identified that the vessel was operating outside its permitted
region and that none of the officers held required flag-state
endorsements. His actions led to the playing out of a complex
regulatory scenario when the vessel re-flagged mid-detention and
exposed a loophole in the vetting process for smaller foreign
vessels, enhancing port safety.
    c. CWO Wood's technical insight led to the identification of a
manufacturing defect in immersion suits, which prompted a National
Safety Alert and a nationwide investigation, ultimately improving
safety standards for thousands of mariners.
    d. CWO Wood's proactive monitoring of a fleet-wide structural
failure enabled immediate responses and contributed vital data to
ongoing investigations, while his attention to regulatory detail
set a precedent for industry-wide compliance with the Safer Seas
Act's video surveillance requirements.
    e. Beyond his technical and regulatory achievements, CWO Wood
exemplified selfless service by volunteering to conduct multiple
machinery inspections at a critically understaffed unit, ensuring
the continued safe operation of a profound state ferry fleet. He is
also a dedicated mentor and coach, serving as a Verification Officer
for 11 qualifications, chairing nine boards, leading training
modules, and contributing to the development of national training
content.
    f. CWO's professionalism and expertise have earned him the trust
of industry partners and command leadership alike, with his advice
shaping numerous high-profile regulatory decisions. CWO Wood's
relentless commitment to excellence, mentorship, and the Coast
Guard's marine safety mission make him an extraordinarily deserving
candidate for this prestigious award.
3. Honorable Mention. I am pleased to identify CWO Cameron
Coplin of Sector San Diego, and CWO William Glenzer of Sector
South East Alaska. Their fleet‑wide impact, leadership, and
community commitment reflect the highest standards of Coast
Guard service.
    a. As an Advanced Journeyman and Tier‑1 Small Passenger
Vessel Inspector, CWO Copelin provided steady guidance to the
overnight fishing charter fleet as they applied newly implemented
fire‑safety regulations. Responsible for 20% of the unit's fleet,
CWO Copelin evaluated egress arrangements, structural changes,
and passenger‑safety procedures to ensure compliance
and safe operations. His thoroughness proved essential during
major inspections, most notably on a U.S. SOLAS Passenger Ship,
where he uncovered 45 deficiencies, including a non‑integrated
fire‑detection system and uncertified suppression system—issues
that posed significant risk to 125 passengers and crew.
    b. CWO Copelin also identified an undersized fire‑suppression
system on a historical tall ship, a critical oversight
that had gone undetected for more than a decade.
    c. CWO Copelin's decisive leadership was equally evident
during a medical emergency aboard a tank ship. He coordinated
communications with medical teams, assessed recovery options, and
ensured a successful life‑saving MEDEVAC.
    d. Beyond mission execution, CWO Copeland has been a
driving force in workforce development, leading to a 125% increase
in qualified Machinery and Small Passenger Vessel inspectors
and expanding hands‑on training opportunities for apprentice
inspectors, strengthening unit readiness and capability.
    e. CWO Glenzer's national influence in the oversight of
inflatable‑hulled certificated small passenger vessels has
meaningfully elevated safety expectations across OCMI boundaries.
Frequently sought out for his technical judgment, he provided
guidance that improved consistency among inspectors locally,
nationally, and even internationally.
    f. During the 2025 cruise season, CWO Glenzer ensured
timely correction of safety deficiencies on 27 inflatables,
preventing fuel leaks, manning shortfalls, hull failures, and
equipment failures during peak operations.
    g. CWO Glenzer's expertise in aluminum‑hull construction
led to the discovery of widespread hidden corrosion across
multiple vessels, prompting over $6 million in critical repairs
and safeguarding thousands of passengers.
    h. CWO Glenzer is a dedicated mentor and a cornerstone of
his community. He actively supported local candidates pursuing
the Enlisted Marine Inspector Training Program and fostered
a resilient team environment despite the unique demands of
remote duty. His outreach extended well beyond Coast Guard
responsibilities by delivering cold‑water survival and
boating‑safety training to hundreds of local residents.
4. The William B. Turek Award for Excellence in Marine Inspections
recognizes those Marine Inspectors that had an especially noteworthy
impact on vessel safety, displayed exceptional technical expertise,
and exhibited the highest levels of professionalism.
    a. A panel of six Marine Inspectors across COMDTs (CG-CVC),
(OES-2) and (CG-5P-TI) was convened to review the 18
nominations.
    b. While we can only choose one winner, I remain inspired
by the professionalism, expertise, and character of the entire
Marine Inspection workforce. I am confident in our ability to
remain "Always Ready" to serve and protect the American people
and our vital national interests. Semper Paratus.
5. A formal ceremony for the presentation of the award will be
coordinated with the Award Winner.
6. Questions regarding the William B. Turek Award for Excellence in
Marine Inspections Award may be directed to LCDR Jenelle Piché,
COMDT (CVC-1), at (571) 608-7777 or Jenelle.L.Piche@uscg.mil.
7. Captain R. C. Compher, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy
(CG-5P), sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.