CGR National Awards

Admiral Russell R. Waesche

This award is named after Admiral Russell R. Waesche who, while serving as Commandant, established the Coast Guard Reserve to bolster readiness during World War II. The award is presented to units that are judged to be most supportive of a totally integrated Coast Guard military force as demonstrated by its effective use and support of the Reserve Component during the previous fiscal year.

Category 1: Congratulations to the Ninth Coast Guard District

In FY24, the Ninth Coast Guard District Reserve Force made a major impact across the Great Lakes by filling key personnel gaps—especially at boat stations—through programs like Summerstock, which provided over 3,400 days of support and led to many new qualifications. Reservists supported high-profile events including national political conventions, the Coast Guard Festival, and Operation LIGHTS OUT—working seamlessly with active-duty teams and partner agencies.


District 9 also advanced readiness by improving mobilization, qualifications and administrative performance. They exceeded training goals for C-Schools and ICS courses and ensured timely processing of pay and administrative requirements, leading to high levels of personnel readiness. With strong performance in operations, training and administration, D9 stands out as a model for Reserve integration and excellence.


Congratulations to the Ninth Coast Guard District!

Category 2: Congratulations to the First Coast Guard District

In FY24, the First Coast Guard District Reserve force made a strong operational impact while working closely with the Active Component. Reservists supported missions like border safety, pollution response, port state control and search and rescue—contributing over 1,600 days and 400+ patrol hours in Northern and Southeastern New England. District 1 focused on readiness with efforts like a reservist-led boarding team member college and proactive medical screening management.

The District also expertly managed its $2.3 million training budget, introduced a $140K cost-saving inactive duty training (IDT) berthing contract, and improved administrative processes—cutting drill processing time by 50% and launching a helpful email alert system. With high medical readiness and support for nearly 800 reservists (10% of the SELRES), District 1 set the standard for Reserve integration, training and efficiency.

Congratulations to the First Coast Guard District!

Rear Admiral Bennett "Bud" Sparks

This award is named after Rear Admiral Bennett “Bud” Sparks, who championed the integration of Reserve and active-duty workforces to achieve overall unit readiness. The award is presented to the unit that is judged to be most supportive of an operationally ready Coast Guard Reserve force, as demonstrated by its effective use and support of the Reserve force during the previous fiscal year.

Category 1: Congratulations to Coast Guard Reserve Unit U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

In FY24, Coast Guard Reserve Unit (CGRU) U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) successfully integrated 21 reservists into the Department of Defense’s top-priority theater, covering 36 nations, high-volume sea lanes and 90% of the world's largest ports. The unit achieved outstanding readiness, with 99.7% inactive duty training (IDT) and 100% active-duty training - annual training (ADT-AT) participation, coupled with high percentages for medical and training completion rates.

By strategically managing resources, CGRU USINDOPACOM enhanced force readiness and supported missions worldwide. Reservists contributed to dignitary visits, global operations and the onboarding of members with specialized capabilities—proving the critical role of the Reserve in national security.

Congratulations to U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Unit U.S. Indo-Pacific Command!

Category 2: Congratulations to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound!

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound showed strong commitment to Reserve integration and mobilization readiness in FY24. The Sector’s Reserve Component, comprising 19% of its workforce, played a vital role in executing missions across a challenging area of responsibility that encompasses an international border and 3,500 square miles of waterways. Sector Puget Sound reservists activated for nearly 3,500 days in support of multiple contingencies and missions. Reservists played key roles in high-profile operations like the Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 3 Seattle SeaFair and Fleet Week. The Sector Reserve Response Department, including Station Seattle and Station Bellingham, an Incident Management Team, and the Sector boarding team, embodied the value of this integrated force

Demonstrating high operational and training performance, the Sector achieved strong completion rates in incident command system training and Service-wide training. With over 1,700 drills and over 1,000 active duty training - annual training (ADT-AT) days completed, Sector Puget Sound fully integrates and leverages its reservists to enhance mission effectiveness in supporting vital Coast Guard missions

Congratulations to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound!

Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer Award

The Reserve Organization of America (ROA) annually presents the Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer Award to the Coast Guard Reserve junior officer judged to exemplify those characteristics expected of an outstanding junior officer during the past fiscal year.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Evan Barber, Sector Puget Sound

LT Evan Barber, a dedicated member within Sector Puget Sound Response Department's Incident Management Division (IMD), demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication throughout FY24. As team lead of the IMD, he successfully managed over 800 resources and coordinated more than 60 participants from 12 agencies and industry partners during the Washington State Maritime Cooperative Worst-Case Discharge exercise, strengthening interagency response readiness. He also mobilized in support of Hurricane Helene, leading the development of 16 incident action plans, 16 communication plans and 80 assignments—synthesizing input from six division supervisors across ten counties.

In addition to his operational duties, LT Barber volunteered as the Sector Reserve Readiness Officer. He collaborated with the clinic to deliver medical services to 143 members during two all-hands events, significantly increasing unit deployability. He earned his Pollution Responder qualification, further enhancing the Sector’s operational capacity. LT Barber also actively mentored junior personnel—ensuring top performers received proper recognition. His initiative, professionalism and unwavering support to the mission and his shipmates exemplify the best of Coast Guard leadership.

Congratulations, LT Barber, on his selection as the Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer!

Reserve Outstanding Chief Warrant Officer Award

Presented to the Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer based on the member’s achievements and dedication to service during the past fiscal year. The recipient of the Reserve Outstanding Chief Warrant Officer Award is also selected as the Coast Guard Reserve's nominee for the CWO4 Michael J. Novosel Award for Outstanding Chief Warrant Officer throughout the Department of Defense administered by the ROA.

Congratulations to Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Dalton, U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307

CWO Joshua S. Dalton, Naval Engineer at Port Security Unit (PSU) 307, demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical expertise and commitment to mission readiness in FY24.

 

CWO Dalton earned his Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and completed the Navy Staff Planning Course, strengthening PSU 307’s joint integration. As one of the first Short-Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SR-UAS) program leaders, he managed PSU 307’s UAS program from inception. He served as Division Group Supervisor during Seattle Seafair and Fleet Week and as Resource Unit Leader for the Washington State Maritime Cooperative Worst-Case Discharge exercise, overseeing 800+ resources. He also earned his Pollution Responder qualification. Additionally, as an incident commander during Hurricane Helene, he coordinated transportation with Air Stations Clearwater and Mobile and led the unit’s 14-day response.

 

In FY24, CWO Dalton also enhanced expeditionary readiness by securing training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use, counter-improvised explosive device awareness, and tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) for PSU 307 members.

 

Off duty, he volunteered for over 100 hours teaching CPR to 115 local first responders and educators. CWO Dalton’s impact, initiative, and dedication to service make him highly deserving of recognition.

 

Congratulations, CWO Dalton, on your selection as the Reserve Outstanding Chief Warrant Officer.

 

 

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