(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Vice Admiral David P. Pekoske, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Vice Admiral Pekoske and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Coast Guard.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral David P. Pekoske, United States Coast Guard, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States, in a position of great responsibility as Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area and Coast Guard Defense Forces West, from May 2008 to July 2009. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision, he skillfully led Pacific Area to superlative levels of mission support and execution throughout a 73 million quarter square mile area of operation. A consummate steward of limited resources, he ensured the Coast Guard maintained and enhanced offshore capability, overseeing a holistic legacy asset sustainment program as well as the commissioning and maiden operational patrol of the first National Security Cutter. He aggressively responded to geopolitical dynamics stemming from environmental changes in the Arctic, strategically positioning Coast Guard assets in evolving mission space in one of the most remote regions of the world. Vice Admiral Pekoske strengthened international partnerships throughout the Pacific Theater. Acting as host for the 2008 North Pacific Coast Guard Forum Summit, he furthered vital relationships with top leaders of the maritime security agencies of Canada, Japan, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Korea. Vice Admiral Pekoske charted the course and laid the foundational cornerstones for the establishment of Force Readiness Command (FORCECOM). Under his leadership FORCECOM was commissioned as the first Coast Guard command dedicated to ensuring our forces remain Semper Paratus. Vice Admiral Pekoske’s leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.