Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer David Slobojan, left, displays his citation with Lt. Cmdr. Bob Little, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Kukui, as the Coast Guard’s 29th Master Cutterman.
Slobojan, formerly of Kalispell, Mont., currently serves as the engineer officer aboard the Kukui, with a cumulative total sea time of 20 years and five months. Throughout his career, Slobojan has served on land for only two years.
Master Cutterman Slobojan joined the Coast Guard in July, 1987 and became a machinery technician. His assignment history spans nine cutters, including the Polar Star, Elderberry, and Buckthorn. His most recent assignment was as engineer officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Fir, homeported in Astoria, Ore., where he was stationed for five years.
The Coast Guard’s Master Cutterman program was created in April 2007, to formally recognize those members who have distinguished themselves throughout their careers with more than 20 years of sea service. The first Master Cutterman certificate was presented to Chief Warrant Officer Paul Dilger at his retirement ceremony in July 2007. While many Coast Guardsmen have proudly been named as permanent cuttermen, serving more than five years afloat, only a select few have endured the rigors of sea duty for 20 years.
The certificate was signed by Adm. Robert Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard, who has 14 years of sea service.
