ALCOAST 226/26 - JUL 2026 SELECTION OF THE FY26 SPECIAL COMMAND AIDE OF THE YEAR

R 221357Z JUL 26  MID120041406425U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC TO ALCOAST
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 226/26
SSIC 1650
SUBJ: SELECTION OF THE FY26 SPECIAL COMMAND AIDE OF THE YEAR
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 181639Z MAY 26/ALCOAST 134/26
1. I am pleased to announce that CS1 Caitlin M. Hall, Special
Command Aide (SCA) to RADM Adam A. Chamie, U.S. Coast Guard
Southeast District Commander, has been selected as the 2026
Coast Guard Special Command Aide of the Year.
2. CS1 Hall distinguished herself through exceptional
leadership and superior performance of duties. Her
flawless execution of 10 high-visibility official events,
including a five-course dinner for the Trilateral Conference
hosting senior flag officers from the Netherlands, France,
and NAVSOUTH, directly enhanced joint and international
relations. A consummate professional, she masterfully managed
a $25K property book, mentored 30 junior Culinary Specialists,
and dedicated numerous off-duty hours to community beach
cleanups with the Miami Beach Foundation.
3. CS1 Hall will represent the U.S. Coast Guard on 14
September 2026, competing against elite enlisted aides from
the other Armed Services to demonstrate her culinary and
administrative expertise. The winner of this joint
competition will be announced on 15 September 2026 during the
Inter-Service Enlisted Aide of the Year ceremony at the
Pentagon Hall of Heroes.
4. CS1 Elizabeth H. Mattox, SCA to U.S. Coast Guard
District Southwest Commander, is recognized as the runner-up
for this year's award. Her outstanding contributions and
dedication to the SCA program are highly commended.
5. The SCA of the Year Selection Panel consisted of the
following members:
    CWO3 Christopher Walker, Culinary Specialist AO
    CWO2 Jason Rohrs, AIRSTA Cape Cod
    CSCM James Swenson, Culinary Specialist RFMC
    CSCS Eric Toler, Culinary Services Division
    CSCS Nichol Billow, Coast Guard Recruiting Command
6. I offer my personal congratulations to all of the nominees
for their exceptional professionalism, technical expertise,
and dedication. Serving as a Special Command Aide requires an
extraordinary level of trust, adaptability, and poise under
pressure. Your commitment to maintaining the highest
professional standards is highly commended.
7. For additional information, contact the SCA Program
Manager, CSCM John S. Jeffries, at (954) 651-1803 or
John.S.Jeffries@uscg.mil.
8. ADM Thomas G. Allan, Vice Commandant (VCG), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.