Guardians,
Earlier today, the selection of MST1 Carrie L. Grady of the National Strike Force Pacific Strike Team as the Active Duty Enlisted Person of the Year and ME1 Christopher M. Pupo of Port Security Unit 301 as the Reserve Enlisted Person of the Year was announced by ALCOAST.
I had the privilege of calling them with the good news before the ALCOAST was released. They both truly reflect the attributes that make the Coast Guard a great organization. Each is a self-starter, seizing leadership opportunities, and living our core values. Their efforts, enthusiasm, and spirit of camaraderie were infectious among their shipmates which is a common trait for great leaders.
MST1 Grady started the year at MSST Seattle where she qualified as a coxswain, played a critical role in helping that unit excel at their Ready for Operations and Standardization inspections, and accelerated the law enforcement training program to meet upcoming deployment schedules. Once she arrived at the Pacific Strike Team, she quickly qualified as a Response Member and demonstrated exceptional specialty knowledge during a deployment to Guam following Super Typhoon Melor which wreaked havoc across the island.
ME1 Pupo was the Leading Petty Officer for the Landside Security Division within PSU 301. Prior to an upcoming deployment to the Middle East, ME1 Pupo coordinated a complex interagency training evolution to ensure the PSU was fully prepared to meet the challenges they would face overseas. Once in theater, he led the effort to integrate 25 U.S. Navy personnel with a subset of PSU 301 to form a specialized security task force. In addition, he reached out to other DOD units to leverage competencies, take advantage of cross-training opportunities, and align their responsibilities to ensure the most adequate distribution of security forces in their respective areas of responsibility.
Congratulations to both MST1 Grady and ME1 Pupo for their outstanding achievements. Here is the ALCOAST which includes the names of the other individuals who deserve recognition for being considered for these awards. And thank you to all the commands who submitted nominations; I salute you for championing leadership at your units.
VADM David Pekoske
