Category 2: Seventh Coast Guard District The Seventh Coast Guard District hosts the second largest reserve workforce in the Coast Guard with 719 reservists serving at five sectors, 18 small boat stations, three air stations and two marine safety units. Through routine training and readiness and a multitude of contingency support efforts, the Seventh District reservists serve as a vital force in garrison whose notable efforts directly contributed to Operation Vigilant Sentry and Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. OVS is an enhanced operational posture which requires surge staffing of active and reserve components to fill 208 Coast Guard positions in support of the Seventh District’s area and incident commands. The superior operational readiness of the Seventh District reservists was displayed as the call to action was answered within 72 hours of requested support. Several qualified boat crewmen, coxswains, and engineers activated to augment and support the early engagement in the OVS mission. Support from Seventh District reservists directly resulted in the successful interdiction of over 2,000 migrants and has continued to increase to date. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall as a devastating category five storm, with wind speeds in excess of 150 mph, causing massive destruction to the Fort Myers,Florida area. In response to this storm, more than 1,000 Coast Guard active duty and reserve men and women were mobilized with 38 aircraft, 15 cutters, and 40 flood response boats to save over 1,000 lives, restore the marine transportation system, and render assistance to thousands of residents and Coast Guard members assigned to the area. Seventh District units, from small boat stations to district staff, have fully supported a totally integrated reserve workforce by training for mobilization, performing operational missions, and standing ready to respond every day. Congratulations to the Seventh Coast Guard District! Rear Admiral Bennett “Bud” Sparks Award 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: Sector Honolulu U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu is recognized for outstanding performance as a force multiplier during FY2022, seamlessly integrating into the active duty workforce and providing indispensable support. their unwavering commitment to professionalism, operational readiness, and inclusivity is truly commendable. Sector Honolulu reservists rose to the challenge of a rapidly expanding operational environment and the significant Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Red Hill Water Contamination Incident, undertaking multiple demanding positions to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. When approximately 19,000 gallons of JP-5 fuel was spilled, contaminating drinking water and adversely affecting nearly 100,000 people, Sector Honolulu reservists were directly involved in the multi-agency response effort to develop and execute system-wide flushing and sampling plans. Their diligence was instrumental in the Hawaii Department of Health’s decision to amend the health advisory, deeming the water safe for human consumption. Eight Sector Honolulu reservists augmented the contamination’s incident management team to fill essential leadership roles such as incident commander. Additionally, Sector Honolulu reservists manned a Personnel Support Team for the welfare of Coast Guard members and their families during the incident. As a result of their critical support and leadership, over 500 temporary lodging allowance claims were processed totaling over $4 million and 245 members and 581 dependents were able to safely return home. Sector Honolulu is an exemplary unit that has prioritized the well-being and productivity of every reserve member. By including reservists in unit planning and operations, they were able to ensure that everyone was able to contribute their unique skills and expertise to multiple successful deployments and critical missions. Their commitment to a culture of collaboration and mutual support was instrumental in the overall strengthening of the organization. Congratulations to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu! Category 2: Sector Delaware Bay U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay is recognized for ongoing efforts to maximize its Reserve Component (RC) proficiency and involvements through training, augmentation, and readiness. The continuous integration of the RC into unit operations has been critical to their success across the full spectrum of Coast Guard missions throughout an AOR that encompasses three states, two FEMA regions and the fifth largest port complex in the nation. With the RC regularly augmenting the Sector and integrating into the Active Duty structure, all-reserve duty sections operated independently for weekend and holiday support. These duty sections conducted 130 boardings, including 15 high-interest vessels, resulting in five voyage terminations and one arrest; completed 576 hours of pollution response duty including two pollution cases; completed approximately 1,100 underway hours while conducting 30 Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS) patrols; and acted as primary response crews for 15 Search and Rescue (SAR) cases. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to dominate the national landscape in FY2022, creating new opportunities for the RC to prove its value. Sector Delaware Bay resrvists met the mission, mobilizing 33% of its crew (61 RC members). In total, reserve orders accounted for approximately 7,600 duty days in support of contingencies including COVID-19, Operations Allies Welcome and Vigilant Sentry, Enduring Overseas Missions, and Coast Guard Recruiting Command. Congratulations to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay! Issue 3 • 2023 Issue 3 • 2023 . Reservist 19 Celebrating Celebrating 70 70 years of the Reservist years of the Reservist
