Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Coast Guard Medal

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Chief Boatswain’s Mate

    Action Date:

    January 25, 2000

    U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s Office

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Chief Boatswain’s Mate Joseph A. Habel, United States Coast Guard, was awarded the Coast Guard Medal for heroism at the risk of life on 25 January 2000. On that date the Station Cape Charles crew performed a dangerous rescue of the crew of the tug BAY KING. They risked their own lives while exposing themselves to harsh weather conditions that exceeded the Coast Guard limits for a 41-foot UTB. Waves as high as 18 feet and winds as strong as 70 knots pummeled their boat, in addition to driving snow and ice that created near-zero visibility. To safely remove the crew from the tug, the boat crews had to recover them from the freezing water and bring them aboard the Coast Guard boat. His courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.