Coast Guard personnel advance, receive awards

Four U.S. Coast Guard members of Marine Safety Unit Morgan City advanced Thursday, and six awards were handed out to other members during an advancement and awards ceremony at the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center.
Boatswain Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer Timothy Dinger advanced to 1st Class Petty Officer Thursday. Dinger is from Patterson. Third Class Petty Officer Dannon Flanagan advanced to Machinery Technician 2nd Class Petty Officer. Flanagan is from Sulphur.
Two other officers also advanced but were not present at the ceremony. Maritime Enforcement 2nd Class Petty Officer Andrew Watzek advanced to 1st Class Petty Officer. Maritime Enforcement Specialist Dale Bullock advanced to 1st Class Petty Officer.
Four letters of commendation awards, one good conduct award and a marine safety pin were awarded.
A letter of commendation is awarded to a member of the Coast Guard for an act or service resulting in unusual and/or outstanding achievement, according to an email from Coast Guard Ensign Lisa Siebert.
Recognition for good conduct is awarded for satisfactory service which is defined as proficiency in rating, sobriety, obedience, industry, courage, and neatness throughout such period of service. As of July 1983, an individual is required to perform three consecutive years of satisfactory service to earn this award, Siebert said.
Marine Safety Unit Commanding Officer Capt. David McClellan was prsent for the ceremony.