One crew flew through storms to evacuate children and staff from Texas floodwaters. Another protected Coast Guard Island during civil unrest. Elsewhere, Maritime Security Response Team–East helped seize two ghost-fleet oil tankers tied to sanctions evasion, while other teams advanced counterdrug operations and equipped personnel for southern-border missions.  

For those efforts to safeguard the nation, 62 Coast Guard members recently earned 2025 Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Awards. Their award-winning work is highlighted below. 


Valor 

Two teams received the Valor Award, given for demonstrating courage, selflessness, and decisive action in the face of danger or extraordinary circumstances. 

Air Station Corpus Christi Rescue 6553 Aircrew 

The Rescue 6553 air crew flew through severe weather to support flood evacuations in Kerr County, Texas. The crew directly saved 18 lives and helped evacuate nearly 170 campers and staff from Camp Mystic. 


Award recipients: 


Alameda Civil Disturbance Team 

The Alameda Civil Disturbance Team protected Coast Guard Island during civil unrest in October 2025, de-escalating confrontations, securing access points, and preventing unauthorized entry onto the installation. 


Award recipients: 


Innovation 

The Innovation Award recognizes employees or teams whose creative thinking, operational improvements, or new approaches strengthened DHS operations, improved mission outcomes, or enhanced workforce effectiveness. 

LOGCOM Operation River Wall Personal Equipment Outfitting Team 

The LOGCOM Operation River Wall Personal Equipment Outfitting Team rapidly sourced, configured, and distributed essential equipment for Coast Guard personnel supporting operations along the Rio Grande. Their work ensured operators arrived prepared to work safely in demanding riverine and desert conditions. 


Award recipients: 


Team Excellence 

The Team Excellence Award recognizes teams whose collaboration, execution, and results significantly advanced DHS priorities and improved mission delivery. 


USCGC Hamilton Drug Interdiction Team 

The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton Drug Interdiction Team brought together cutter personnel and supporting units to advance counterdrug operations. The team’s recognition reflects the coordination and execution required to deliver results across a complex operational mission. 


Award recipients: 


America First 

The America First Award recognizes DHS employees or teams whose work advances Department priorities and supports national security, economic competitiveness, and the protection of American sovereignty. 


Maritime Security Response Team-East (MSTR-E) 

The Direct-Action Section (DAS2) of MSRT-E received the America First Award for helping seize two ghost-fleet oil tankers involved in efforts to circumvent international sanctions in late 2025. The team’s expertise, courage, and professionalism enabled the successful operations, which advanced national security objectives, and demonstrated exceptional interagency cooperation. 


Award recipients: 

 

Congratulations to the 2025 DHS Secretary’s Award recipients!   

-USCG- 

 


In the news:  

Celebrating excellence honoring the annual DHS Secretary’s Awardees