A Coast Guardsman stationed in Kodiak, Alaska received the Coast Guard’s newest honor during an informal ceremony in Kodiak Thursday where he was named the services 12th Master Cutterman awarded for more than 20 years at sea.
Chief Warrant Officer Randy Salenski received the award during the ceremony at Coast Guard Base Kodiak for serving more than 25 years at sea. In May his sea time will reach 26 years.
The award is a one-time recognition of service signed by the Commandant of the Coast Guard and presented as a framed certificate.
Salenski’s 36 year career has included service aboard Coast Guard Cutters Sledge, Ojibwa, Resolute, Alert, Planetree, Woodrush, Firebush, Maple and Alex Haley and shore duty at Loran Station St. Paul, Alaska, Station Buffalo, N.Y., Group Buffalo and Training Center Cape May, N.J.
Salenski is currently the main propulsion assistant aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley. Salenski’s oldest son is a sergeant in the Marine Corps, currently stationed in Camp Pendleton, California. His other son is a Petty Officer 2nd Class aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Hickory, home ported in Homer, Alaska. Salenski’s wife lives in Sitka.
The first Master Cutterman certificate was presented to Chief Warrant Officer Paul Dilger at his retirement on July 27, 2007. Since then there have been 11 certificates awarded making Salenski’s the 12th.
The Master Cutterman's certificate awarded to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Randy Salenski, main propulsion assistant aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley, during a ceremony at Coast Guard Base Kodiak, Alaska. The certificate is customized with the cutters that cWO Salenski has served on during his career. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by PA1 Kurt Fredrickson CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE
