U.S. Coast Guard Station Valdez

01/26/2026

Big news at the station! Please join us in congratulating BM3 Kowalewski and BM3 Bradley on their well earned advancement to BM2 in the United States Coast Guard!

As BM2s, you’ll be stepping into greater leadership, leading crews, mentoring shipmates, and helping keep every mission safe. Congrats, BM2s! 🇺🇸⚓️

⚓️ Please join us in welcoming SN Smith and BM3 Montalvo as they report aboard USCG Station Valdez!

We’re excited to have you both on the team and ready to get after the mission here in Prince William Sound. Welcome to Valdez, glad to have you in the crew! 🇺🇸🌊

11/14/2025

Since June at station we’ve had a busy summer and early winter with our;

Change of Command ⚓️
June 2025 the U.S. Coast Guard Station Valdez proudly held a Change of Command ceremony as BMC Hali Lombardi officially relieved BMCS Josh Poole as Officer in Charge.

BMC Lombardi returns to Valdez with deep roots, having previously served here as a BM2. Her return marks a full-circle moment as she steps back into our station—this time at the helm. We thank Senior Chief Poole for his dedicated leadership and warmly welcome Chief Lombardi as she takes command and continues the proud tradition of service in Prince William Sound.

Semper Paratus!

Big shoutout to BM3 Gugino for advancing to BM2 here at Station Valdez!

Being a BM2 means running crews, making calls on the water, teaching the new crew, and keeping things moving even when Valdez weather is doing its thing. Gugino’s been stepping up like that for a long time, so this advancement is well earned.

Congrats, BM2 Gugino!

Big congrats to MK2 Cogswell for successfully recerting as Engineer here at Station Valdez! Keeping our boats running in Valdez conditions is no easy job, and Cogswell proves time and time again that he’s got the skills to keep the mission moving.

BZ, MK2! ⚓️🔧

Congrats to BM3 Kowalewski for qualifying as a Boarding Officer! BOs are the ones out there making the calls during boardings—checking safety gear, enforcing regs, and keeping our waters safe.
Nice work, Kowalewski! ⚓️

Station Valdez is proud to announce that MK1 Steiner has officially assumed the role of Engineering Petty Officer (EPO).
This position carries significant responsibility in maintaining the readiness, reliability, and safety of our boats and engineering operations, and MK1 Steiner brings the experience and leadership to uphold that standard.

We look forward to his guidance and expertise as he steps into this critical role.

Bravo Zulu, MK1 Steiner.

Welcome aboard to Station Valdez!
MK2 Smith officially reported in this week and is already hitting the ground running. Pumped to have another solid engineer on deck to keep the boats turning and the mission moving. Glad to have you in Valdez, shipmate!

09/11/2025

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on 9/11 and honor the resilience of the American spirit. We remember the first responders, everyday heroes, including the brave civilian mariners who aided in the evacuation, and all those who answered the call of duty. On that day, and in the days that followed, Coast Guard men and women, like so many others, stood ready to protect our nation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our shores and protecting our people.

06/12/2025

Please join us in congratulating EPO MK1 Rupert on his advancement to Machinery Technician Chief (MKC). His dedication, technical expertise, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the unit, and this promotion is a testament to his hard work and professionalism.

In a proud moment of mentorship and tradition, newly advanced MKC Rupert had the honor of pinning AEPO MK2 Fitch to MK1 Fitch. Congratulations to both members on their well-earned advancements. Bravo Zulu! ⚓️

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska
USCG Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic

05/31/2025

Station Valdez conducted an operational Coxswain check ride for BM3 Kowalewski who successfully completed the check ride resulting in his coxswain qualification. A coxswain is a qualified boat operator responsible for the safety of the crew and the success of missions like search and rescue, law enforcement, and patrols. They lead from the helm, making critical decisions in challenging conditions on the water.

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska
USCG Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic

📸BMC Stubblefield and BMCS Poole

05/29/2025

This is what a cutter relief at sea looks like.

Before arriving at its new homeport in Kodiak, Alaska, USCGC Earl Cunningham officially relieved the final 110-foot Island Class Patrol Boats.

Here’s the historic transcript from the at-sea relief ceremony:

CUNNINGHAM:
Coast Guard Cutters Naushon, Liberty and Mustang — from the Coast Guard Cutter Earl Cunningham: Thank you to your crews for all those present, past for nearly 4 decades of service to our nation. It is an honor to take over the watch.

FINAL 110s:
…Coast Guard Cutter Earl Cunningham… Cutters Naushon, Liberty and Mustang stand ready to be relieved.

CUNNINGHAM:
Coast Guard Cutters Naushon, Liberty, and Mustang — from the Earl Cunningham, we offer our relief.

FINAL 110s:
Coast Guard Cutter Earl Cunningham from the Naushon, Liberty and Mustang on behalf of all former Island Class Patrol Boats — we stand relieved. Fair winds and following seas in keeping the coast clear in the last frontier.

…

Thank you to the crews of the 110s — past and present — for your dedicated service to our nation.

Join us in welcoming the new Fast Response Cutter Earl Cunningham to its new homeport in Alaska where it will bring enhanced operational capabilities to the region.

05/06/2025

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Liberty, the last operational 110-foot cutter in the fleet, has embarked on her final voyage. Wishing her fair winds and following seas as she sails into history! 🗽

05/05/2025

Station Valdez recently conducted an operational coxswain check ride for BM3 Bradley, who successfully completed the evaluation and earned his coxswain qualification. As a certified Coast Guard coxswain, he is now entrusted with the safe operation and navigation of small boats during missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime patrols. Coxswains lead boat crews, make critical decisions under pressure, and are responsible for ensuring the safety and success of every operation.

📸 By BM3 Kowalewswki

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska
USCG Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic

01/23/2025

Congratulations to BM3 Gugino on receiving his Coxswain certification. Earning this qualification is a huge milestone in a Boatswain’s Mates career that requires countless hours of dedication and hard work.
Bravo Zulu shipmate ⚓️

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska
USCG Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic

01/20/2025

Celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader in the Civil Rights movement who championed equality, justice, and nonviolence. His enduring message inspires us to make a difference through service.

Let’s commit to a “Day On, Not a Day Off.”

01/17/2025

Congratulations to MK1 Rupert and BM1 Wells for receiving a Letter Of Commendation (LOC), they received the LOC for putting in over 100 hours of work on our moral boat the Knot on Duty and our moral skiff. With their hard work forces Valdez can use the boats for hunting, fishing, and exploring the Prince William sound.

Bravo Zulu shipmates!

📸BM3 Kowalewski

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska
USCG Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic

01/11/2025

This morning, BMC Poole was advanced to the rank of Senior Chief in front of all forces Valdez. Being promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) in the U.S. Coast Guard is a significant milestone, reflecting both professional excellence and leadership capability.

Achieving such a rank is a testament to BMCS’s dedication, leadership, and ability to inspire others. It is a role that demands excellence while offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the service and the people within it.

Congratulations BMCS Poole! Well deserved! 🌟

📸by BM2 Casey

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Alaska
USCG Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic