USCG Foundation to Present Alaska Awards

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that they will honor the men and women who serve on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sycamorefor outstanding service to the 17th District and our nation. The Alaska Awards Dinner will be held at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorageon Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, commandant of the Coast Guard will deliver keynote remarks and RADM Michael McAllister, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District will also address attendees. Alaska's Senator Lisa Murkoswki and Congressman Donald Young will also be in attendance.

Special guest will be the renowned Iditarod Musher, AliyZirkle. Although born in New Hampshire andeducated at the University of Pennsylvania, Zirklehas called Alaska home for over 20 years.A three-time Iditarod runner-up, Zirklewas the first woman to ever win the Yukon Quest. A fan favorite, shehas received awards for her outstanding performance as a musher and for her exemplary care of her dogs. She is committed to the Alaskan community that has given her unwavering support and incredible encouragement through the years.

Receiving recognition on behalf of the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sycamorewill be CDR James Jarnac, ENG2 Joshua Clegg, BOSN2 Jason Scott and SN Tyrell Miranda.The 225-foot seagoing buoy tender has a crew of 50 personnel who work with aids to navigation; conduct search and rescue, and law enforcement missions; open sea-lanes through ice-congested waterways; and assist in containing and recovering oil spills. They service more than 127 aids to ensure the safety of mariners who navigate the region.

In 2015, the crew of the Sycamore had an outstanding record of professional accomplishments spanning multiple Coast Guard missions. Sycamore reinvigorated the Coast Guard’s law enforcement presence in Prince William Sound by completing 46 at-sea boardings and 43 commercial fishing vessel safety examinations.Always ready for the call, Sycamore responded to 5 search and rescue cases in 2015. During one case, the Sycamore led a multi-unit response to search for a downed aircraft. The search included the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang, a small boat crew from Coast Guard Station Valdez, a C-130 plane and MH-60 helicopter from Air Station Kodiak, as well as an Alaska Air National Guard helicopter. The rescuers courageously contended with severe weather conditions through much of this search, which reduced visibility to 200 yards.

The crew has also strengthened partnerships with the local community in Cordova as well as several Alaskan Native Villages. During Operation Arctic Shield 2015 the Sycamore played a key role in standing watch on the last frontier, projecting a strong presence at the furthest reaches of our nation’s maritime domain. At the close of 2015, Sycamore’s crew exhibited their commitment to excellence by completing the Command Assessment of Readiness and Training with a nearly unprecedented 98.3 percent combined average across all areas examined. Demonstrating their superb proficiency and teamwork, the crew won first place during the Buoy Tender Olympics challenge at the District 17 Buoy Tender Roundup.

“The men and women that serve on the Sycamore consistently uphold a commitment to excellence and professionalism embodied in the finest traditions of the Coast Guard,” said Anne Brengle, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “With an impeccable service record, the Sycamore crew distinguish themselves time and again with the courage and dedication that is required to serve in one of the most challenging climates in the world.”

The Coast Guard Foundation’s Alaska Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at the Hotel Captain Cook, 939 W. 5th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska. A cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner and the program following at 7 p.m.