Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael De Nyse  

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Bradley Roberson, of Prattville, Ala., a boatswain’s mate and Private Aids to Navigation Manager (PATON) assigned to the Fourteenth Coast Guard District's waterways management division, recently was recognized as the district's staff Enlisted Person of the Year for 2008. 

Roberson also received honors Thursday during the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii’s 24th Annual Military Recognition Month luncheon held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. More than 900 military and civilian guests were in attendance to honor the military's outstanding community service providers.

“It’s nice to be recognized,” said Roberson. “I see it as my part of the job; however, it’s good to know that when I do my job well, I positively impact my local community and 'Team Coast Guard.'”

“Dedication, determination and flexibility is what I think of when I think of Roberson,” said Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Moore, Roberson's supervisor. “Roberson has the flexibility to react, overcome and think on his feet."

Roberson recently created a system that allows his office to monitor the position of all private aids, significantly increasing aids to navigation (ATON) availability. He also drafted a notification memo now used by the Coast Guard to inform private aid owners of any pending discrepancies; he also drafted a detailed step-by-step process to correct any problems.

Local harbor masters have sought guidance and technical expertise from Roberson about ATON range design and various other equipment issues.

“Roberson has proven himself to be a versatile member of the Coast Guard who has fostered ties and relationships with our industry partners around the islands,” said Moore.

Roberson’s office went through a personnel turnover last summer that created a gap between the incoming and outgoing office supervisors. Roberson filled the void and took on extra duties to prevent the workload from backing up.

“Roberson is extremely dedicated to the Coast Guard, and he has a vast knowledge of ATON,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Katharine Bogle, Roberson's co-worker and the division’s marine information specialist. “Not only does he have the knowledge and experience, but he has the ability to teach others as well.”

Roberson’s dedication to the Coast Guard’s fitness program is demonstrated through the morning workout program he instituted this past summer. “Roberson’s initiative is allowing the program to take off,” said Moore. “His enthusiasm alone is attracting people to want to join our effort to increase health and well-being here at District 14.”

Roberson also serves as a role model in his community. He frequently participates in beach cleanups around the island, attends charity runs for children, and is a regular blood donor for the Blood Bank of Hawaii.

For a photo of Roberson from the 24th Annual Military Recognition Month luncheon, please visit the following link:

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=558941

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