Mr. THOMPSON is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty in multiple and significant positions during the period June 2002 to September 2003. In the execution of his many duties and responsibilities, he tirelessly maintained exceptionally high standards of excellence in the performance of Coast Guard and Auxiliary missions and programs. Working with the Office of the Chief Director Office of Auxiliary, the Auxiliary national leadership, the Office of Boating Safety, Operations Policy Directorate, and the Office of Policy and Planning, Waterways Management Directorate, Mr. Thompson expertly deployed his project management skills and talents and designed a national program which establishes an Auxiliary and Captain of the Port partnership and Auxiliary leadership role in participating port Recreational Boating Safety Subcommittees which are part of the maritime industry’s Harbor Safety Committee organizational structure. This position has been implemented in selected ports and has proven highly effective in improving communications with, and overall coordination of, the many diverse recreational boating groups at the port level. Additionally, he facilitated the screening, recruiting, and deploying the initial candidates for three selected pilot ports. Mr. THOMPSON worked closely with the Director of Operations Capability staff to focus critical attention on the development of a roll out plan for the Coast Guard’s initiative to develop a multi-agency Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) program. As a primary member of the new Headquarters planning team, he assisted in developing tasks and organizational requirements for a vigorous approach to develop the way ahead for a national MDA capability.

He then conducted briefings to the Commandant and other Coast Guard Flag Officers laying out the requirements, tasks, and primary options resulting in a formal action to define and form a new flag-level MDA Program Executive Office in the near term. Mr. Thompson’s dedication and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.