Coast Guard Sector Anchorage Nets Award

Coast Guard Sector Anchorage was awarded the 2021 Rear Adm. Bennett “Bud” Sparks award during a ceremony on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Nov. 5, 2022. Photo: Petty Officer 1st Class Nate Littlejohn, Coast Guard District 17.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Anchorage has scored the 2021 Rear Adm. Bennett “Bud” Sparks award for the “under 100 reservist assigned” category, the agency announced Nov. 8.

Given every year by the Reserve Organization of America, the award spotlights a unit considered “the most supportive of an operationally ready Coast Guard Reserve Force as demonstrated by its practical use and support.” 

Throughout 2021, reservists at Sector Anchorage worked on skill sets that delivered on readiness requirements while they provided additional vital support on missions. 

Sector reservists recorded 384 hours of training and 46 boardings, which resulted in three boarding officers achieving qualification and/or recertification, keeping 100% readiness, and pushing a multi-agency operation with NOAA, National Park Service and Alaska Wildlife Troopers, the Coast Guard said.

Meanwhile, sector marine science technicians bolstered the active-duty force with 47 days of pollution responder/facility inspector duty support, allowing for active-duty personnel to do over 300 commercial fishing vessel exams and 50 facility inspections. 

Capt. Leanne Lusk, commander of Sector Anchorage, called the award “an incredible honor” for the sector.

“Our reserve members are incredibly dedicated,” Lusk said. “They work very hard to maintain their competencies and earn new qualifications and naturally integrate into our teams. They are the reason we’re able to accomplish our unique multi-mission responsibilities throughout the Arctic, Western Alaska and Southcentral Alaska.”

By Karen Robes Meeks