BOSTON —- Coast Guard leaders and crew recognized a New London, Connecticut, Coast Guard member as the First Coast Guard District's Enlisted Person of the Year for 2015 during a ceremony Friday at Coast Guard Base Boston.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Reel, a native of Winter Park, Florida, is a Marine Science Technician who serves at the Coast Guard International Ice Patrol (IIP).
Reel distinguished himself as a leader and mentor during the extremely demanding 2015 Ice Season. During the 13th most severe Ice Season on record since 1900, he demonstrated a positive attitude while working long hours both in the Operations Center and during deployments to Newfoundland, Canada. Reel served on five Ice Reconnaissance Detachments (IRD), logged more than 160 flight hours, and documented 2,010 icebergs. He trained seven members in both the OPCEN and on IRDs, maximizing the qualification status of the entire unit during a particularly busy operational period.
Reel made all IRD flight preparations and supervised the loading of operational equipment before IIP sorties over the North Atlantic. Upon completion of patrols, Reel ensured all data collected was accurate and representative of the iceberg conditions observed. This knowledge and attention to detail was critical to IIP preparing valid iceberg warnings for the maritime community.
The Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year Program recognizes exemplary performance by the men and woman from the active and reserve enlisted workforce. Nominees reflect the spirit of pride, professionalism, and dedication. They have demonstrated exceptional performance in the areas of: leadership, rating skills, personal and work ethics, Coast Guard knowledge, uniform appearance and military bearing.
The Commandant will select only one active and one reserve EPOY from all of the regional winners throughout the Coast Guard. They will be meritoriously advanced to the next higher pay grade, be considered for a Commendation Medal, and their names will be inscribed on a perpetual plaque maintained at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC. They may also be required to represent the enlisted men and women of the Coast Guard by attending official functions and ceremonies throughout their tenure.
For more information contact International Ice Patrol Public Affairs at (860) 271-2626.