SITKA, Alaska – Alaska Congressman Don Young will present the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant’s Proclamation declaring Sitka, Alaska, “A Coast Guard City” in a ceremony co-hosted by the city and Coast Guard on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., in Sitka’s Centennial Hall.
Sitka was chosen due to the close relationship developed through integral support the city brings to Coast Guardsmen and their families.
“This is exciting news for Sitka! Sitka’s Coast Guard personnel and their families are an extremely important part of our community,” said Cheryl Westover, Sitka mayor. “We are deeply honored to be designated as the 12th Coast Guard City in the nation. The Coast Guard is a huge part of the heart and soul of our community. We are family.”
The five Sitka-based Coast Guard units are Air Station Sitka, Coast Guard Cutter Maple, Aids to Navigation Team Sitka, Marine Safety Detachment Sitka and Electronic Support Detachment Detail Sitka.
As the 12th city to become “A Coast Guard City,” Sitka joins Kodiak as the second city in Alaska to be designated.
“The City and Borough of Sitka loves their Coast Guard; it shows in the support and kindness the Coast Guard men and women and their families receive from the generous citizens of Sitka,” said Capt. Buddy Custard, 17th Coast Guard District Chief of Staff, “It is comforting for us to be a part of a community who looks after our loved ones when we are deployed.”
The Coast Guard City program began in 1998 endorsed by both Congress and the Coast Guard to recognize the support Coast Guard personnel receive from a city.
To view all Coast Guard cities click the following link http://www.uscg.mil/community/Coast_Guard_Cities.asp
