Petty Officer 1st Class Kirsten R. Allen, a diver with Regional Dive Locker West, has been named the winner of the inaugural Coastie of the Year during an awards ceremony held at Coast Guard Sector San Diego on Jan. 22.
The inaugural ceremony aligns with the theme of remembering the past and embracing the future by being named after Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Mellinger, a decorated Coast Guard Vietnam War combat veteran and San Diego resident, the Coast Guard said in a release. Mellinger’s service and sacrifice continue to inspire the next generation.
“I encourage you to continue living up to Mark’s example. He was the best example of everything that encompasses our core values,” said Rear Admiral Joseph Buzzella, commander, District Eleven. “Continue making the Coast Guard a better place; that is why you all have been nominated.”
This new annual award honors exemplary Coast Guard members from San Diego’s five local units who embody the service’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.
In addition to Allen, the nominees for the 2024 Coastie of the Year Award included: Chief Petty Officer Cristina Berrios – assistant recruiter in charge, San Diego recruiting office; Lt. Emma Hvozdovich – operations officer, Tactical Law Enforcement Team Pacific; Chief Warrant Officer Frank Silva – maintenance officer, Sector San Diego and Senior Chief Petty Officer Francisco Quilantang – Aids to Navigation team, San Diego.
“We are America’s finest because of all of you," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “I am here to say thank you to all the nominees, you represent the very best of the Coast Guard and I am proud to honor you today.”
Allen is recognized for her exceptional on-duty performance, including completing advanced qualifications as a scuba diving supervisor and hyperbaric medical technician, earning personal recognition from Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, and serving as a hazardous materials certifier, enhancing operational readiness. Off duty, she volunteers at Coast Guard recruiting events and inspires future generations of Coast Guard members, notably mentoring young women in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs.
“As the nation's 23rd Coast Guard City, we are honored to sponsor the first-ever Coastie of the Year award ceremony, said Kimberly McKnight, Chairman, San Diego Coast Guard City. “The men and women of the Coast Guard are dedicated to serving their country, city, and community; and we want to recognize them for all they do for us each and every day."
San Diego earned its Congressional designation as a Coast Guard City on Feb. 23, 2017, becoming the 23rd city to receive this honor. The designation, renewed every five years, recognizes the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the City of San Diego and the Coast Guard through events, programs, and community initiatives that support active-duty personnel and their families.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.