This ceremony was All Hands, meaning it was a total unit meeting, and among those in attendance included Admiral Zukunft, Commandant of the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Steven Poulin, Commander, First Coast Guard District, Captain Michael H. Day, Sector Commander, Captain Jason Tama, Deputy Sector Commander, and Master Chief Marcus S. Evans, Command Master Chief.
The Commitment to Excellence Award Ceremony highlighted eight Coast Guard personnel members who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence through their actions within their commands. In addition to these honorees, Borough President Oddo was presented with a Meritorious Public Service Award in recognition of the long-standing relationship and steadfast support Staten Island has shown the men and women of the Coast Guard.
Part of this recognition included announcing that New York City officially has the designation as a Coast Guard Community – a formal title bestowed upon a community by an act of Congress for developing a unique and supportive relationship with a Coast Guard Station or Sector. The Borough President’s office played a major role in making this designation a reality.
“As a borough, I believe Staten Island being home to Sector New York of the US Coast Guard should instill a deep pride in our identity,” said BP Oddo. “Their work managing the security for the Ports of New York and New Jersey directly affects our safety every day. As such, I am extremely humbled to be honored with this Meritorious Public Service Award. What is important to me is not so much that the Coast Guard recognizes me – but that we recognize and appreciate them. I am committed to welcoming the Coast Guard community to our borough.”
Staten Island is the home to both the United States Coast Guard Sector New York and USCG Station New York. Sector New York, located on the grounds of Ft. Wadsworth, has three stations under its jurisdiction: Kings Point (at the Merchant Marine Academy), Sandy Hook and New York, which is located on Bay Street. Station New York is the largest station in the Coast Guard, with over a hundred active duty members and 10 small boats assigned.