COMMODORE EVERETT W. EDGERTON, JR.

Commodore EDGERTON is cited for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a position of great responsibility as National Auxiliary Commodore from November 2002 to September 2004. Exercising exceptional vision and exemplary leadership, Commodore EDGERTON guided the Auxiliary through a period of unprecedented growth and expansion of its roles and missions. With keen insight and organizational skill, he significantly raised Auxiliary readiness and capabilities by clearly defining the value of three fundamental principles – people, processes, and professionalism. Commodore EDGERTON superbly navigated the Auxiliary through implementation of Phases II and III of Operation Patriot Readiness, establishing remarkable new levels of Auxiliary support to Coast Guard missions, particularly ports, waterways and coastal security. With determined vigor, Commodore EDGERTON shepherded rapid Auxiliary growth in its resources including increases of more than 4,500 members, 1,500 patrol vessels, 110 aircraft and 800 radio stations. His ardent advocacy helped garner over $2.3 million in additional Coast Guard funding support for all Auxiliary programs. To meet the Department of Homeland Security’s mandate to ensure the complete integrity of its workforce, Commodore EDGERTON effectively bridged the gaps between the Coast Guard’s Office of Security Policy and Management, its Security Center, and the Auxiliary, to initiate the most comprehensive series of personnel security investigations ever required for Auxiliarists. Reflecting his tireless pursuit of excellence, Auxiliarists overwhelmingly adopted this new requirement and solidified their well-deserved share of the nation’s public trust. Commodore EDGERTON’s leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.