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| News Release |
Date: Contact: |
| Jacksonville native stationed in Alaska earns prestigious Master Cutterman award |
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KODIAK, Alaska – Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Paul Hicks, a Jacksonville, Fla., native stationed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Spar, homeported in Kodiak, was named the Coast Guard’s 13th Master Cutterman at a ceremony Friday. Guardians who have served 20 or more years at sea hold the honor of Master Cutterman. A permanent cutterman must serve at least five or more years of sea in order to wear the cutterman’s insignia. Hicks, a 27-year veteran, has served 20 years of sea time aboard eight different Coast Guard cutters. He enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1980. A recognized Cutterman can wear the insignia on the uniform which is comprised of a helm wheel surrounded by waves representing the heritage of the sea, a five point star noting five years sea service, and a shield representing the service and its seagoing traditions. Prior to 1974, no recognition was given to Guardians serving extended periods at sea. In 2006, the Master Cutterman Award was commissioned to recognize this feat. |
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