Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award

I had a huge surprise today at a luncheon hosted by the USCG Valdez Marine Safety Unit. I was given the Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award. Outside the awards given for lifesaving, this is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a civilian by the Commandant. The recognition is good, but seeing your work affirmed by someone else is great. The citation for the award is found below.
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Alan J. Sorum is cited for exceptional public service from November 1999 to February 2007 while serving as the Valdez Harbor Master and Port Director. Mr. Sorum provided critical onshore oversight during numerous responses to vessel incidents within the small boat harbor. These responses ranged from fighting boat fires like that on the S/V Tenacity to vessels taking on water like the near sinking of the F/V Journeyman. Mr. Sorum's expertise and responsiveness can be directly contributed to numerous saves and successful responses. In the spirit of prevention, he implemented the "Kid's Don't Float Program," which provide life jackets to the youngsters on or around the water. To this day, the program is highly lauded and remains in effect throughout the Valdez harbor.

Mr. Sorum staunchly supported Coast Guard missions and initiatives. As an original member of a security working group that formed prior to 9/11, he built strong relationships with port stakeholders that enabled Valdez responders to quickly ramp up for increased security measures. This group was later formalized as part of the Area Maritime Security Plan and used as a model in other ports throughout the country. Mr. Sorum's steadfast involvement and dedication has been largely responsible for the group's success.

In December 2003, Mr. Sorum provided significant assistance during Operation "White Christmas," a response to a terrorist threat against the Valdez Marine Terminal and tanker traffic. His local knowledge and savvy proved to be an invaluable asset to the Unified Command, comprised of representatives from 13 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and 9 Coast Guard units, totaling nearly 500 members. He quickly distinguished himself as a go to person and reliable team member.

In 2005, Mr. Sorum was instrumental in donating a 60 ton marine travelift to Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. In this Parish alone, Hurricane Katrina had displaced an estimated 30,000 recreational vessels and 3,000 fishing vessels. His generous efforts enabled the damaged fishing industry to get back on its feet and jump started economic recovery to this devastated Parish,

Alan Sorum's leadership, dedication and perseverance are most commended by the United States Coast Guard.

Tags: USCG, Distinguished Public Service Award

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