JUNEAU, Alaska – Rear Adm. Cristopher C. Colvin, commander Seventeenth Coast Guard District, awarded Chief Warrant Officer David A. Stettenbenz, Army National Guard pilot, with a Coast Guard Achievement medal Thursday.
Stettenbenz was recognized for his superior performance of duty while serving as the Army National Guard Liaison and Planning Officer at Joint Forward Operating Location Nome, Alaska from Aug. 10 to Aug. 24.
Stettenbenz demonstrated superior leadership in direct support of Operation Arctic Crossroads 2009, the Coast Guard’s largest small boat and helicopter deployment to Northwestern Alaska. During this time Stettenbenz provided invaluable insight and expertise to the Coast Guard Air Operations Officer necessary to integrate Army National Guard assets into an effective multi-service aviation contingent.
Stettenbenz efforts as the local area aviation subject matter expert ensured the safe execution of over 60 joint service helicopter sorties, often in heavy fog and through mountainous terrain, effectively completing all assigned missions in support of Coast Guard strategic goals.
