BOSTON — The Coast Guard Cutter Flying Fish crew was presented a mission excellence award Thursday at Coast Guard Base Boston.
Rear Adm. Linda Fagan, commander of the First Coast Guard District, presented the team the 2015 Chief Petty Officer Andy James Award for Mission Excellence during a ceremony aboard the cutter.
During 2015, Flying Fish steamed more than 4,600 miles executing at-sea law enforcement boardings, escorting liquefied natural gas carriers, assisting in search and rescue cases, and providing coastal security.
The Flying Fish crew played a vital security role during the Tsarnaev Boston Marathon bombing trial proceedings by providing more than 120 hours of maritime security patrols at the Moakley Courthouse waterfront, and was instrumental in developing a comprehensive, tactical plan to improve living marine resource enforcement in the Northeast.
Flying Fish crew was also recognized for their community involvement with the Read Across America initiative and Habitat for Humanity.
"It was a tremendous honor for our crew to receive this award today,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Keith Kucera, officer-in-charge of the cutter. “It is testament to the hard work and dedication they put in every day.”
Kucera said the crew appreciates support from their families, who sacrifice countless days away from their loved ones as the Flying Fish crew works tirelessly protecting Boston and the Northeast.
Coast Guard Cutter Flying Fish is an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat homeported in Boston with a crew of 11.