The Coast Guard awarded the Auxiliary Meritorious Service Medal to Charles "Chuck" Ficher, a Virgin Islands resident and aviation coordinato at Coast Guard AUXAIR Borinquen.
According to a news release issued Tuesday by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Fischer, was honored this month for "his superior leadership while overseeing 10 Auxiliary aircraft and 45 members" who collectively logged more than 2,500 flight hours with 50 search and rescue missions that saved or assisted 10 lives from 2010 thru 2013.
“You can’t measure the value of the Coast Guard Auxiliary here in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and across the nation,” said Capt. Drew Pearson, Sector San Juan commander. “The return on investment is astronomical. It is an amazing group of volunteers dedicated to the service of our nation, and I can’t get my job done without them. I rely on them each and every day.”
“The auxiliary has changed since I have been here in Puerto Rico,” said Capt. Patricia McFetridge, Air Station Borinquen commanding officer. “During my first tour, we had a fledgling auxiliary air program. Since I returned, I believe I now have the best auxiliary flight program in the entire nation, and certainly in the Seventh District.”
During the period covered in the award, Fischer forged partnerships with federal agencies and conducted 300 maritime observation missions. He developed a detailed matrix to mitigate all aspects of risk, which proved effective during several tropical storms and hurricanes, and managed a $150,000 budget during one of the most difficult fiscal climates in Coast Guard history.
Fischer also flew 361 hours in 2012, the highest number of AUXAIR hours in the Seventh District and second only to one active-duty aviator.
Fischer was among two Seventh Coast Guard District Auxiliary pilots to be recognized and included in a special perpetual plaque that was introduced, and will be permanently mounted in the Air Station Borinquen hangar, recognizing AUXAIR members exceeding 1,000 mission hours.
“AUXAIR Borinquen continues to grow and record an ever increasing number of flight hours for the Coast Guard, which significantly contribute to the safety and security of our country,” said Fischer “We are fortunate to have some of the most competent and dedicated aviators in the nation flying with us. Their achievements are nothing short of remarkable. I applaud each and every one of them for their hard work and commitment.”
The award was presented March 1 during
The two-day annual the annual Auxiliary Aviation Safety Workshop held at Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico. The workshop is a time for AUXAIR, active duty Coast Guard, partners and trainees to focus on member competencies, new and innovative technology, qualification skills, equipment testing, planning and procedures, according to the news release.